Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the USA. He was an author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman and diplomat. He sought to cultivate his character by a plan of 13 virtues ( temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility) which he developed at age 20 and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life.As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He earned the title of "The First American" for unfaltering campaign for colonial unity; spokesman in London for several colonies and as the first US Ambassador to France. He personified the American ethos; practical, democratic values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. He died in 1790, at the age of 84.