Robert Kiyosaki of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' Critiques Schooling: 'I Found Out By Cheating, I Was Preparing Myself To Do Well In Business' — Adds That School Teaches People How To Just Be Employees Not Entrepreneurs

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the bestselling personal finance book “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” recently revived a lively discussion with his unconventional views. His stance on education deviates from what most people are taught and urges a reconsideration of the widely accepted narratives around education and career success.

On Instagram, he revisited a clip from his 2018 YouTube video, accompanying it with an eye-catching caption: “School teaches people to become employees, entrepreneurs think differently.” This remark underscores his critique of traditional education systems and how they shape people's approach to financial success.

Kiyosaki challenges long-held notions about finance and education. He argues that the education system is skewed toward preparing people for regular employment rather than nurturing entrepreneurial skills. Kiyosaki sees this as a significant flaw for those seeking wealth and financial independence.

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In the video, he openly discusses his schooling days, revealing that he used to "cheat" by copying from a smarter classmate. He compares the viewpoints of his "poor dad" and his teachers, who labeled this behavior as cheating, against those of his "rich dad," who viewed it as cooperation. This story demonstrates the diverse attitudes toward education and success, exposing a fundamental split in opinions about what learning and achievement mean.

Kiyosaki also brings in insights from Shawn Achor’s book “Big Potential,” which sheds light on trends like the decreasing age of suicide victims and the rise in depression among young people. Achor suggests that these worrying developments are partly linked to the way education is delivered, hinting that it not only impacts mental health but also blocks the road to financial prosperity. Kiyosaki agrees with this assessment, hinting that the educational focus on individual accomplishments, such as being an A student, might restrict young people’s broader potential in the interconnected world of business.

“I found out by cheating, I was preparing myself to do well in business,” Kiyosaki said.

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This viewpoint reflects his belief that the skills and mindset nurtured in traditional educational settings may not be in sync with those required for entrepreneurial success. He suggests that the business world demands a spirit of cooperation and practical acumen, aspects that may not be fully addressed in standard school curriculums.

He highlights that while his "poor dad" believed in the path of traditional education for success, he often struggled with financial issues and was unhappy with his work. In contrast, his "rich dad," despite not having a college degree, was successful. 

Kiyosaki learned early on from his "rich dad" that the promise of higher education as the only route to success is a misconception. He emphasizes that higher education often fails to impart financial intelligence or the real-world skills needed for entrepreneurship and has called higher education a scam.

The critique extends to the financial burdens of higher education. He points out the increasing costs of college education and the rising student loan debt, which can trap graduates in unfulfilling jobs just to pay off their debts. This scenario, according to Kiyosaki, reinforces the cycle of producing more employees rather than independent thinkers or entrepreneurs.

Kiyosaki believes that the school system is designed to create a workforce, not innovators. He argues that schools teach compliance, routines and discourage questioning established systems or taking risks — qualities that are often essential for entrepreneurial success. He suggests that the approach to education should be more flexible, encouraging creativity and financial intelligence, which are crucial for success in today’s dynamic economic landscape.

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