Ben Dunlap: The life-long learner

Jó napot, pacák! Greeting in Hungarian

The speaker introduces the phrase "Jó napot, pacák" which means "What's up, guys?" in Hungarian. They reflect on the uniqueness of the Hungarian language and its history.

Mysterious Affinity with Hungary

• The speaker mentions having a mysterious affinity for Hungary despite not having any Hungarian heritage.

• They recall dreams that resemble landscapes from Hungarian films.

• Possible explanations for this affinity include their native state of South Carolina imagining independence and facing similar historical challenges as Hungary.

• Personal experiences, such as their uncle denouncing the Ku Klux Klan and their admiration for people with a complex moral awareness, may contribute to this connection.

Hungarian Presence in My Life

The speaker reflects on their journey back to South Carolina after many years and how they encountered a significant Hungarian presence at Wofford College.

Return to South Carolina

• After spending 15 years away, the speaker returns to South Carolina with the intention of saving their people.

• They mention encountering resistance from locals who were slow to acknowledge needing help.

Sandor Teszler - A Remarkable Encounter

• The speaker starts teaching at Wofford College and meets Sandor Teszler, a 90-year-old Hungarian man surrounded by middle-aged European women.

• Sandor Teszler had an interesting life story: born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, ostracized as a child due to his club feet condition, achieved success in textile engineering, and faced challenging times during World War II.

A Twist You Would Not Believe

The speaker shares an astonishing twist in Sandor Teszler's story that is unexpected like something out of a movie.

Arrested and Taken to a Death House

• Sandor Teszler and his family were arrested during the Nazi regime and taken to a death house on the Danube.

• The early days of the Final Solution involved brutal treatment, with people being beaten to death and thrown into the river.

• None of those who entered the death house survived.

The transcript continues beyond this point, but it is not included in the provided text.

Leaned Down and Whispered New Section

This section discusses the harrowing experience of Mr. Teszler and his family during the war, their escape to safety, and their journey to the American South.

Mr. Teszler's Escape and Success

• During the war, Mr. Teszler's family was in danger but received help from the Swiss Embassy.

• They were reclassified as Yugoslav citizens and managed to stay ahead of their pursuers.

• Eventually, they made their way to Great Britain, then Long Island, and finally settled in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

• In Spartanburg, Mr. Teszler achieved immense success in the textile industry after inventing a new fabric called double-knit.

Integration in Kings Mountain New Section

This section highlights Mr. Teszler's efforts to combat racism by integrating his textile plant in Kings Mountain.

Combating Racism

• When racism resurged in the South after Brown v. Board of Education, Mr. Teszler decided to build a major plant in Kings Mountain.

• He instructed his assistant to buy land there and announced plans for integration.

• The white mayor expressed concerns about hiring white workers while the black community hoped for opportunities for black workers.

• Mr. Teszler responded by stating that he would hire workers based on merit rather than race.

• Ultimately, he hired 16 men - eight white and eight black - who would become foremen for his new process.

Integration Achieved New Section

This section describes how Mr. Teszler successfully integrated the textile industry in that part of the South through his inclusive hiring practices.

Successful Integration

• The 16 foremen, both white and black, lived and worked together for two months, mastering the new process.

• When the main plant opened, hundreds of workers, both white and black, visited the facility.

• The 16 foremen stood shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating unity and integration.

• They assured the new workers that they were being paid twice the wages of any other workers in the industry.

• Mr. Teszler's inclusive approach effectively integrated the textile industry in that region.

Legacy of Mr. Teszler New Section

This section discusses Mr. Teszler's later years and his impact on Wofford College.

Later Years and Impact

• In his eighties, after retiring from the textile industry, Mr. Teszler adopted Wofford College as his own.

• He audited courses every semester and became affectionately known as "Opi" (Magyar for grandfather).

• The college named its library after him and eventually honored him as Professor of the College due to his wisdom.

• Despite surviving the Holocaust, Mr. Teszler maintained a wonderful sense of humor.

A Touching Moment New Section

This section shares a touching moment involving Mr. Teszler during an interdisciplinary class screening.

A Touching Moment

• During an interdisciplinary class screening of Ingmar Bergman's "The Seventh Seal," a scene depicting death embracing a knight played out.

• As death opened his cloak to embrace the knight, Mr. Teszler humorously remarked that it didn't look good.

• This anecdote showcases both Mr. Teszler's wisdom and sense of humor.

The transcript is already in English language format; therefore, no translation is required for this summary.

Bartok's Third Piano Concerto and Bela Bartok

This section discusses the discovery of Bartok's Third Piano Concerto and its significance as the composer's final statement to his wife. It also mentions Sandor Teszler's role in supporting Bartok's legacy.

Discovery of Bartok's Third Piano Concerto

• Mr. Teszler had a vast collection of Bartok's recordings at his house.

• The narrator heard Bartok's Third Piano Concerto for the first time at Mr. Teszler's house.

• The concerto was composed in Asheville, North Carolina, during the last year of Bartok's life.

• It was dedicated to his wife, Dita, who was a concert pianist.

• The second movement incorporated sounds of birdsong that Bartok heard outside his window during his last spring.

Significance and Legacy

• The concerto is considered Bartok's final statement to his wife and through her, to the world.

• It conveys a message that everything was beautiful and that he will always be present whenever it is heard.

• Sandor Teszler paid for the marker on Bela Bartok's grave in Hartsdale, New York.

Human Nature and Sandor Teszler

This section reflects on Sandor Teszler's belief in the fundamental goodness of human beings and how it impacted the narrator.

Sandor Teszler's Perspective

• Sandor Teszler believed that human beings are fundamentally good.

• Despite experiencing hardships himself, he reached this conclusion about human nature.

Impact on the Narrator

• After hearing Mr. Teszler express this belief, the narrator made a vow not to differ until released from it.

• The narrator reflects on being stuck with the vow after Mr. Teszler's death.

• This encounter with Mr. Teszler challenged the narrator's perspective on human iniquity.

Francis Robicsek and Mayan Ceramics

This section introduces Francis Robicsek, a Hungarian doctor and art collector, known for his contributions to open-heart surgery and Mayan ceramics.

Francis Robicsek's Achievements

• Francis Robicsek was a pioneer in open-heart surgery and invented devices used in procedures.

• He is an avid art collector, specializing in 16th- and 17th-century Dutch art, Hungarian painting, Spanish colonial art, Russian icons, and Mayan ceramics.

• He broke the Mayan codex, enabling scholars to understand the pictographs on Mayan ceramics.

Impressive Collection

• During a visit to Dr. Robicsek's house, the narrator saw hundreds of museum-quality artworks.

• Dr. Robicsek revealed his extensive collection of Mayan ceramics stored in a dedicated room.

Meeting Roger Milliken

This section describes the meeting between Dr. Robicsek and Roger Milliken, an influential trustee with expertise in French history and textiles.

Invitation to Lecture

• The narrator invited Dr. Robicsek to lecture at Wofford College on Leonardo da Vinci.

• Additionally, he arranged for Dr. Robicsek to meet Roger Milliken.

Successful Encounter

• The lecture delivered by Dr. Robicsek was highly successful.

• Afterward, they gathered at the President's House where both Dr. Robicsek and Mr. Milliken were present.

Risky Introduction

This section highlights the risk involved in introducing Dr. Robicsek and Mr. Milliken, two influential individuals, to each other.

Introducing Titans

• The narrator recognized the enormity of bringing together Dr. Robicsek and Mr. Milliken.

• There was a risk that if they didn't like each other, it could lead to conflict.

Unexpected Argument

• Towards the end of the meal, Dr. Robicsek and Mr. Milliken engaged in a furious argument.

• They debated whether the second Harry Potter movie was as good as the first.

Revealing Success Secrets

• Despite their argument, it became apparent that both men were successful in their own right.

• Their willingness to engage in such discussions showed their openness and curiosity.

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Live each day as if it is your last

This section discusses the importance of living each day to the fullest and having a passion for learning.

Passion for Learning

• Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Live each day as if it is your last" and "Learn as if you'll live forever."

• The speaker expresses their passion for learning and experiencing new things.

• They emphasize the undaunted appetite for knowledge, regardless of how risible, esoteric, or seditious it may seem.

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