28th Annual Think-Off Question Announced January 1, 2020

The Great American Think-Off, now in its 28th year, is an annual philosophy contest held in New York Mills, MN (population 1,224), and hosted by the Cultural Center in New York Mills. This year’s question once again addresses a topic meant to inspire thinkers from all walks of life:

Which is more important: to win or to play by the rules?

Winning and playing by the rules are both highly valued in our society, but they are sometimes in conflict. How have you experienced winning or losing? Did you play by the rules, or not? How did you feel if you won but cheated? How did you feel if you lost to someone who didn't follow the rules? We want to hear about YOUR experiences and how they formed your opinion on this topic. Submit an essay by April 1 for your chance to win $500 and the chance to argue your position in front of a live audience in June. Each year, the Think-Off question is announced on January 1, essays are due April 1*, finalists are announced May 1, and the live debate between the top four finalists takes place on the second Saturday in June.  The 2020 debate will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2020 in New York Mills, Minnesota.

*Please note: The 2020 Great American Think-Off has been postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. Learn more here: https://zve.shq.mybluehost.me/website_1ded9cfa/2020-great-american-think-off-postponed-to-2021/

Essays are due April 15, 2020 and can be submitted in 3 simple ways: