Richard Buckminster Fuller was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to Richard Buckminster Fuller and Caroline Wolcott Andrews Fuller. He was the second of five children. His paternal grandmother was Margaret Crane Fuller, a prominent feminist, journalist, and transcendentalist.

During his childhood, Fuller spent considerable time on Bear Island, Maine, where his family had a summer home. He developed a deep appreciation for nature and experimented with geometric forms using found materials. He invented a push-pull apparatus for propelling a rowboat, showcasing his early inventiveness.

Fuller was expelled from Harvard University for spending his money entertaining a chorus line. This early incident hints at his rebellious streak and unconventional approach to societal norms.

Following his expulsion from Harvard, Fuller worked in a textile mill in Canada, gaining practical experience in manufacturing and industrial processes. This experience likely influenced his later focus on efficiency and mass production.

Fuller was re-admitted to Harvard but was expelled again, this time purportedly for lack of interest in formal academics. This cemented his departure from traditional academic paths.