Benjamin Franklin captured so many roles during his lifetime, and it’s amazing how much he was able to accomplish. How did he have time to live a life? He was a scientist, inventor, statesman, printer, humorist, diplomat, public servant, philosopher, economist, franchisor, writer, musician, and Founding Father.

He lived up to one of his famous sayings: “If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing.”

This came to mind today as I read a story about Orson Welles. He is possibly most famous for his grand award winning movie “Citizen Kane.” He was once invited to speak to a group in a small Midwestern town. When he showed up, the audience was actually quite sparse. He went ahead with his speech and began with a brief summary of his career.

Orson started his talk by saying: “I’m a director of plays and also a producer of plays. I am an actor of the stage and motion pictures. I write and produce motion pictures and I write, direct and act on the radio. I’m a magician and painter. I’ve published books. I play the violin and the piano.”

At this point he paused and looking over the audience he remarked: “Isn’t it a pity there’s so many of me and so few of you!’

Franklin would have been delighted in that remark!!