Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is the most polarizing book on this list, earning placement at number 9 because of its conceptual impact despite serious flaws. The asset vs liability distinction (assets put money in your pocket; liabilities take money out) is the single most widely shared framework in personal finance social media and genuinely shifts how millions of people think about purchases. The criticism is legitimate: Rich Dad Poor Dad has factual errors, the Rich Dad character appears to be fictional or composite, and the real estate advice can be dangerous if followed literally. Kiyosaki later businesses have mixed track records. Nevertheless, the book that launched 40 million people down the path of financial literacy is worth understanding — not because everything in it is correct, but because its conceptual contribution to financial literacy culture has been significant enough that you need to know what it says.