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Ross Ulbricht, born on March 27, 1984, in Austin, Texas, was a gifted student with a happy upbringing. A dedicated boy scout who achieved the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout, Ulbricht excelled academically, earning scholarships for his studies in physics and materials science. However, during his time at Penn State, he transformed into a staunch libertarian, espousing a philosophy that prioritized individual freedom and minimal government interference. This mindset bore fruit in January 2011 when he launched Silk Road, envisioning it as a modern-day marketplace where individuals could engage in commerce—unfettered by legal constraints.