Born on January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of 17 children to Josiah Franklin, a candlemaker, and his wife, Abiah Folger. Growing up in Boston, Franklin was an avid reader and learner, which eventually led him to become an apprentice to his older brother James, a printer. Franklin's insatiable curiosity and passion for knowledge drove him to make significant contributions to various fields, including electricity, demography, and meteorology.