Benjamin Franklin was one of America's founding fathers, a man whose curiosity and energy seemed boundless. Born in Boston in 1706, Franklin became a printer, scientist, inventor, writer, diplomat, and statesman, all while maintaining a sharp sense of humor and love of practical wisdom.

Franklin's scientific experiments made him famous across the world. His dangerous kite experiment in a thunderstorm showed that lightning was electricity, leading him to invent the lightning rod that still protects buildings today. He also invented bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove for heating homes, and swim fins. When he saw a problem, he thought about how to solve it.

As a writer, Franklin created Poor Richard's Almanack, filled with clever sayings like “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” and “A penny saved is a penny earned.” These phrases are still quoted today.

During the American Revolution, Franklin served as a diplomat in France, charming the French into supporting America's fight for independence. His wit and wisdom helped convince France to provide crucial military aid. At age 81, he helped shape the Constitution, making him the only founding father to sign all three of America's founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.