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Robert Kiyosaki: Napoleon Hill of the 21st Century?
by MatthewC |
I first heard about Robert Kiyosaki and his book, "Rich Dad, Poor
Dad" on an online discussion forum in late 1998. Several participants had high praises for it. Being an avid
reader of business books, I decided to look into it. I found that the complete title was "Rich Dad, Poor Dad:
What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!" Of course, with a title
like that, how could anyone NOT read the book?
Little did I know, I would read the life story of a young boy learning the conflicting life and financial lessons
taught by his two dads, one from his biological father (the poor dad), the other, his best friend's father (the
rich dad). That boy would continue getting conflicting information throughout his childhood years. He would also
encounter many obstacles and challenges. This child would eventually grow into a young man and meet adult challenges
in the military, corporate, and investment world and learn some hard lessons during his rise and falls. This man
was, of course, Robert Kiyosaki.
What Robert Kiyosaki teaches in his book are not terribly technical or even new. What makes his book powerful is
how he challenges our core beliefs and everyday mindset by taking things we are familiar with such as cars, houses,
mortgages, banks, taxes, businesses, and painfully show us what they really mean in our lives and to our personal
wealth. It is not a pretty picture because it shows the lack of our financial literacy. And it is this ugliness
which he writes about that is so profound and disturbing.
Kiyosaki clearly emphasizes and teaches financial literacy. But he has done it in such a way that even children
can understand it. His books are a lead-in to the games his company sells, the Cashflow board games. Having personally
seen and played the games, I have found that they are unlike any other board games available. They are well presented
and thought out.
Since late 1997, Kiyosaki has steadily spread his message throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Kiyosaki has been on several television and radio programs. His book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", has climbed
to the top of best-selling lists such as Business Week, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today. Amazon.com
has what seems to be an endless list of positive reviews by its customers.
Kiyosaki himself may not be entirely aware of this, but his books, message, and style may set the tone for the
21st century. Kiyosaki may become the Napoleon Hill of the 21st century as an educator of success, wealth, and
prosperity for the modern man. There are many people who teach the mechanics of the business world but often a
sense of vision and inspiration seems lacking.
While his critics may question the amount of technical information, dissect his examples, or the simplicity of
his explanations, they have missed the spirit of his message. It is Kiyosaki's ability to reach the masses and
educate in a simple manner which is what makes it so powerful and effective. Where others pride themselves on their
technical ability or their academic credentials, Kiyosaki goes for simplicity.
Kiyosaki has become somewhat controversial in recent months. He has probably drawn almost as many critics as he
has supporters. This may prove bothersome to people who are trying to find the "truth". But perhaps,
that is the beauty of it. We all have our own personal truths. We are forced into thinking instead of blindly accepting.
We are forced into introspection not simply following what society says we should. At the end of the day, we choose
our direction.
Napoleon Hill was a tremendous influence to many of the super-achievers throughout the 20th century. Robert Kiyosaki
may just be responsible for creating the super-achievers and millionaires into the 21st century.
Go to The Robert
Kiyosaki Collection
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