An optimistic person, Ben Parker encouraged his nephew Peter Parker to pursue science. He also taught Peter a lesson in responsibility through his motto, "with great power comes great responsibility."
Ben tragically lost his life after surprising a burglar trying to break into his house. In a twist of fate, Peter had had the opportunity to stop that very same burglar earlier that same day when he witnessed him feeling from a wrestling ring, but passed the chance on a whim. This turn of events consolidated Ben's lesson of responsibility on Peter.[1]