In 1748, at the age of 42, Benjamin Franklin decided to retire from running his printing business. This marked a significant turning point in his life, as it was the midpoint of his nearly 85 years of existence. Franklin chose to pass the responsibilities of his business to his foreman, David Hall, signaling a shift in his focus towards other interests and pursuits.

This decision led Franklin to explore various endeavors beyond printing, ultimately influencing his role as a statesman, inventor, and philosopher. By stepping away from daily operations, he could dedicate time to the areas he was passionate about, paving the way for his contributions to American society and literature.