Born in 1706 to humble origins, the young Benjamin Franklin made his way into the world with a sense of purpose and an awareness of what he was capable of. These qualities became self-evident and increasingly apprarent to the world around him as his abilities matured. The runaway teen who left his boyhood Boston for Philadelphia proved his developing talents as a prolific writer, printer and future publisher... famous for his Autobiography, Poor Richard's Almanac, and The Pennsylvania Gazette among others. He was also an inventor and scientist; Franklin was the genial genius... an affable common man who just happened to be the smartest person in almost any room he entered. He conducted groundbreaking work in electricity and made innovations that led to practical devices such as bifocals, swim fins, the lightning rod, the Franklin Stove, and the flexible catheter among other inventions in use to this day.After retiring from business at the age of 42, it was Benjamin Franklin as Public Citizen for his remaining 42 years that ultimately led to his role as Statesman and Founder... He helped make the case for the ultimate severance of political ties to Great Britain and for America to take up arms in defense of her liberty. He was present at the creation of a new nation and helped construct the foundation of what the United States would one day become as a beacon of freedom.