“As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously.”

American polymath, 18th century

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath of the 18th century, active as a physicist, philosopher, statesman, and inventor. He is remembered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence and later served as the first postmaster general. His work spanned science, public life, and practical invention, placing him among the most versatile figures of his era.