Thomas Jefferson wrote ofFranklin: "No one of the present age has made more important discoveries, nor has enriched philosophy with more ingenious solutions of the phenomena of nature." Scientific discoveries and valuable inventions were but one aspect of Franklin's amazing versatility. He was also a successful author, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, and diplomat, as well as being a leader of the American Revolution. This lecture will describe his career, and consider some ofthe character traits that made it possible.