The book was published twenty years ago, and I can see how it remained a best seller for seven years: it is easy to read, convincing, and effective in communicating its points. My father was the first one to recommend it to me many years ago. Then an old friend recommended it to me, recently. We went to a music conservatory together as undergraduate piano majors. Now she is a successful real estate agent, and credits the book to have served as her catalyst.
Although the book was entertaining, it was also an uncomfortable read for me. It repeatedly reminded me of Trump during his first presidential debate when he said not paying taxes made him smart. Later on in the book, Kiyosaki revealed how Trump was on top of his list of heroes, along with Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, and others. It reinforced my concern for his formula, which I am afraid may be sustainable only when it is practiced by a few. Why he wanted to write books about it is beyond me. What is even more mind-boggling is the fact that although his books became best sellers and his philosophy/business is not a secret, people are still “working for money,” not letting “money work for you,” (P. 5) and working to pay taxes from January to May. (P.68) Is it out of fear or laziness, as he claims? Is it because schools focus “on scholastic and professional skills, but not financial skills” (P. 2) and on “producing good employees, instead of employers”? (P. 58)
My conflicting thoughts about the book come from my own internal conflict. Although I do not like the current system of governance/economy/society and do not want to work for, or within, it, I also do not want to take advantage of its loop holes and come out as the privileged few, when the rest of the world suffers. Maybe Kiyosaki might brush off my concern as “fear” or “laziness”, or even as a self-indulging sentiment of a privileged leftist artist. Maybe he is right. I may just try to see if I can actually play his game and come out a head. That would give me the leverage to accomplish my artistic and humanitarian missions of using arts to promote more healthy, productive, empathetic and happy society. I believe in my mission and I certainly do not want lack of money to prevent me from achieving my potential, or dictate my life’s path.
I did find his rich dad with only seventh grade education, and his teachings to be inspiring. I also shuddered at how his PhD poor dad’s philosophy resonated with many of my mentors I have around me in the academia and the arts.
Poor Dad: “The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Rich Dad: “The lack of money is the root of all evil.” (P. 2)
Poor Dad: “I can’t afford it.”
Rich Dad: “How can I afford it?” (P. 3)
Poor Dad: “Study hard so you can find a good company to work for.”
Rich Dad: “Study hard so you can find a good company to buy.”
Poor Dad: “The reason I am not rich is because I have you kids.”
Rich Dad: “The reason I must be rich is because I have you kids.”
Poor Dad: “When it comes to money, play it safe.”
Rich Dad: “Learn to manage risks.”
Poor Dad: “Our home is our largest investment and our greatest asset.”
Rich Dad: “My house is a liability, and if your house is your largest investment, you’re in trouble” (P. 4)
Poor Dad “Money doesn’t matter.”
Rich Dad: “Money is power.” (P. 5)
To get out of the Rat Race of working for the system, the first step is to be truthful, according to Rich Dad (P. 29-30) Here is my truth. What I have to offer as a pianist/musician/artist/scholar/writer, and my experience as a world traveling musician and insight/perspective I garnered from my experience and practice, I believe, is valuable. It can help a lot of people, and I want to. However, my CV will not do my offerings justice. It does not stand out in the fierce competition among pianists, if I were to pursue a mainstream career in traditional performance platform or teaching at the academia. Within the system, I would succumb to being a beggar and run the Rat Race. My offerings will be diminished to cater the formulaic curriculum and/or concert marketing. I have to think outside of the box and think of a new platform where my offerings will be most effectively shared with people who would benefit the most from my gift. Financial freedom would give me leverage in how creative I can be about my platform.
“Money is an illusion. It’s only out of fear and greed that the illusion of money is held together by billions of people who believe that money is real. It’s not. Money is really made up. It is only because the illusion of confidence and the ignorance of the masses that this house of cards stands.” (P. 38)
Robert Kiyosaki enjoyed the game of money, and the freedom it afforded him to play golf. I want bigger things than that, and I will use what I learned from Rich Dad in this book to achieve my vision.