Robert Kiyosaki, the 79-year-old author of the personal finance classic 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad,' recently revealed in several podcast appearances that he carries approximately $1.2 billion in debt. Kiyosaki has built a career advocating for the use of debt as a tool for investment, arguing that 'good debt' allows individuals to acquire assets that generate cash flow and tax advantages.

This disclosure has drawn significant attention, particularly in China, where the real estate market has faced a prolonged downturn. Many Chinese property investors, who previously followed strategies involving high leverage, have experienced substantial financial losses. Consequently, the news of Kiyosaki’s massive debt has elicited a polarized reaction: some observers express awe at the scale of his financial maneuvering, while others express frustration or bitterness, viewing his philosophy as a contributing factor to the risks that led to their own financial difficulties. While Kiyosaki maintains that his debt is a strategic component of his business model, the public reaction highlights a growing divide between those who view leverage as a path to prosperity and those who see it as a dangerous liability in volatile economic climates.