The narrative engine of the book is the juxtaposition of the two father figures. The "Poor Dad" is a highly educated government employee who believes in the traditional path to success: study hard, get good grades, find a secure job with benefits, and save money. Despite his high income and academic prestige, he struggles financially, trapped by what Kiyosaki terms the "Rat Race."
The book is a memoir-style narrative that tells the story of Robert Kiyosaki's two fathers: his own "poor dad," who was a well-educated but financially struggling government worker, and his best friend's "rich dad," who was a successful businessman and investor. Through his experiences with both fathers, Kiyosaki learned valuable lessons about money, wealth, and financial literacy.
: They acquire assets that generate income.