Robert Kiyosaki is an American businessman and author who is best known for his Rich Dad, Poor Dad series of books. He has become one of the world’s most well-known financial educators, preaching his message of financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Kiyosaki was born in 1947 in Hilo, Hawaii to a middle-class family. His father was a teacher and his mother was a housewife.
When he was nine years old, his family moved to California where he attended public schools. It wasn’t until high school that Kiyosaki began to develop an interest in business and finance, starting his first business at the age of 17, selling newspaper subscriptions door-to-door.
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After graduating from high school, Kiyosaki enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he enrolled in college but dropped out after two years due to disagreements with his professor about the Vietnam War.
He then went on to start several businesses, including a publishing company and a software company, both of which were eventually sold for millions of dollars.
In 1997, Kiyosaki published Rich Dad Poor Dad – a book that would go on to sell over 26 million copies worldwide and launch him into international fame. The book tells the story of Kiyosaki’s two “fathers” – his biological father (poor dad) and the father of his best friend (rich dad), contrasting their different approaches to money and work.
Robert Kiyosaki “Keep Them Poor” (Video)
Kiyosaki has since written dozens of other books on finance and investing, including Cashflow Quadrant and Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women .
He also creates educational materials such as board games and mobile apps under the Rich Dad brand name.
Today Robert Kiyosaki is considered one of the most influential voices in the field of personal finance education.