Robert Toru Kiyosaki is an American businessman and author of the bestseller finance book Rich Dad Poor Dad. He is an entrepreneur, educator, and investor "who believes the world needs more entrepreneurs who will create jobs".
An important fact is that a class action lawsuit was filed against Kiyosaki by people who attended his seminars and he was the subject of two investigative documentaries on CBC Canada and WTAE USA and WTAE USA.
Robert Kiyosaki was born in Hilo, Hawaii. He attended Hilo High School and graduated in the year 1965. He went to college at Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in New York state.
Kiyosaki published his first book, If You Want to Be Rich and Happy, Don't Go To School, in 1993. The book advised parents not to send their children to college and instead to enter the real estate business. He subsequently wrote 27 books, including two books with Donald Trump, before him becoming President of the US. But his real success came from his bestseller on personal finance Rich Dad Poor Dad (1997).
Rich Dad Poor Dad was co-written with financial literacy advocate Sharon Lechter. It is written in the style of a set of parables, ostensibly based on Kiyosaki's life. The main theme of Rich Dad, Poor Dad is how to use money as a tool to develop wealth. The book explains basic wealth generation in an understandable and inspirational way and advocates the importance of financial independence.
Rich Dad Poor Dad has sold tens of millions of copies in more than 51 languages across more than 109 countries. The book has been on the New York Times bestsellers list for over six years. Rich Dad Poor Dad appeared on Oprah Winfrey's talk show, and many celebrities like Will Smith have claimed to have read it and recommend it to everyone.
However, not everyone was delighted with the book. For example, an American businessman and real estate investor John Theodore Reed said that Rich Dad, Poor Dad is one of the dumbest financial advice books he has ever read.
Nevertheless, the success of the book was enormous. In April 2017, a 20th Anniversary edition was published, and in a preface, to this 20th Anniversary edition, Kiyosaki asserts that an estimated 40 million copies of the book had been sold globally.
The book Rich Dad Poor Dad was Kiyosaki's only real success, most of his other businesses went bankrupt.
Robert Kiyosaki currently continues to lead seminars and posts motivational videos on youtube.
