Benjamin Franklin

Born in Boston in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the fifteenth of seventeen children. His career began at the age of twelve as a printer's apprentice, and by seventeen, he had established his own print shop. This early success in printing paved the way for his ventures into writing and publishing, most notably with the initiation of 'Poor Richard's Almanac' when he was twenty-six, which brought him widespread recognition and business prosperity. He was known for his physical robustness and extraordinary giftedness, embodying the spirit of a Renaissance man. Franklin retired from active business at forty-two to dedicate himself to scientific pursuits, making significant advancements in various fields. Five years later, he was called to public service, becoming a pivotal figure in American politics and diplomacy. His extensive contributions spanned science, invention, statesmanship, education, finance, and mass communication. By the time of his death on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84, Franklin was considered one of the most beloved public figures globally, having fulfilled his own epitaph's promise to "appear once more in a new and more elegant Edition, revised and corrected by the Author."