Samuel Pepys (1633–1703) wrote what many consider to be one of the most interesting accounts of daily English life in existence. Born the son of a tailor, Pepys (pronounced peeps) received a scholarship to Cambridge University, where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees. Pepys was appointed to the Navy Office and rose to become Secretary of the Admiralty. During this time he studied shipbuilding and mastered navigational mathematics, trying to become a naval expert. He eventually won a seat in Parliament by convincing people of the importance of the navy and of sea power. Known as an honest, hardworking man, Pepys had along with an interest in the navy, a strong interest in theater, art, and literature. He counted among his friends such luminaries as scientist Sir Isaac Newton and writer John Dryden.