On a beautiful New York evening, we had the pleasure of attending an enlightening lecture at the Consulate General of Hungary with Professor Peter Erdi, author of “Repair: When and How to Improve Broken Objects, Ourselves, and Our Society.” The event brought together individuals from various backgrounds, including the radiant 2023 Miss Immigrant USA, Lana Tu, and Miss Immigrant co-founder, Magdalena Kulisz. The gathering was not only an intellectual feast but also a celebration of the power of repair and rebuilding.

 

Professor Peter Erdi during the lecture.
Professor Peter Erdi explaining why we should repair things.

The evening began with an introduction to Professor Erdi’s work and its relevance in our modern world. As we listened to the captivating speaker, it was clear that the concept of repair goes beyond fixing broken objects – it extends to our personal lives and the larger society. Professor Erdi emphasized the importance of sustainability and learning how to mend what is broken, whether it’s a physical object, a personal relationship, or a societal issue.

A key takeaway from the lecture was the idea of the “circular economy,” which encourages reusing, repairing, and recycling resources. This approach not only benefits the environment but also fosters creativity and innovation in our personal lives. Professor Erdi shared inspiring examples of individuals who had successfully embraced this mindset, transforming their lives and communities.

2023 Miss Immigrant USA, Lana Tu with Professor Peter Erdi
2023 Miss Immigrant USA, Lana Tu with a guest.
Professor Peter Erdi, an author of the book "Repair"

The presence of 2023 Miss Immigrant USA, Lana Tu, and Miss Immigrant co-founder, Magdalena Kulisz, elevated the event. Their commitment to empowering immigrants and promoting cultural diversity resonated with the themes of repair and rebuilding. Lana’s story of overcoming challenges as an immigrant and using her platform to uplift others is a powerful example of how we can repair and improve ourselves and our society.

As the evening progressed, attendees engaged in lively discussions and explored the various ways we could apply the lessons learned to our own lives. The atmosphere was filled with an infectious energy, as people shared their experiences and ideas for creating a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Professor Peter Erdi with Magdalena Kulisz, Co-Founder of Miss Immigrant USA.

In conclusion, the event was an eye-opening experience that challenged us to rethink our approach to repair and rebuilding. It served as a reminder that we all have the power to make a positive impact on our society by embracing sustainability, fostering personal growth, and supporting our communities. We left the Consulate General of Hungary feeling inspired and motivated to make a difference, one repair at a time.

Professor Peter Erdi signing up a copy of his book

How to repair our resources?!  Is it even possible? Professor said, “We are in a transition to become again a repair society”.  If you would like to know how to do it, get Professor Erdi’s book in the link below. 

Get the book by Professor Peter Erdi in this link.

Venue: Consulate General of Hungary in New York

Address:  223 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022

Facts about Hungarians in the USA:

  • Hungarian immigrants have a long history in the United States, with the first significant wave arriving between 1890 and 1914. During this period, an estimated 1.7 million Hungarians arrived, primarily seeking job opportunities and escaping political unrest in their home country.
  • The top states with the highest Hungarian immigrant populations include California, New York, Ohio, Florida, and New Jersey.
  • Hungary is famous for its delicious and hearty cuisine, with dishes like goulash, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), langos, and chimney cake (kürtőskalács) being popular among locals and tourists alike. Hungarian cuisine often features paprika, which is a key ingredient in many traditional recipes.