Cai Lun was a Chinese official and inventor who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty, around 50-121 AD. He is best known for his significant contribution to the invention of paper, which revolutionized writing and record-keeping in ancient China. His method involved using materials like tree bark, hemp, and rags, which were processed to create a more efficient writing surface. Cai Lun's innovation had a lasting impact on education, literature, and communication, influencing cultures worldwide. His work laid the foundation for the development of modern paper, making it easier for people to share knowledge and ideas. Today, he is often celebrated as the "father of paper."