29th Annual Great American Think-Off
Philosophy essay & debate competition
Essays due April 1st
The Great American Think-Off, now in its 29th year, is an annual philosophy contest held in New York Mills, MN (population 1,224), and hosted by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.
This year’s question once again addresses a topic meant to inspire thinkers from all walks of life:
Which should be more important:
personal choice or social responsibility?
We want to hear about YOUR experiences and how they formed your opinion on this topic. There is no fee to enter, and essays must be 750 words or less.
Submit an essay by April 1 for your chance to win $500, a weekend in New York Mills, and the chance to argue your position in front of a live audience. The winner of the live debate (determined by audience vote) will earn the title of "America's Greatest Thinker" for the year.
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 2022 debate will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 in New York Mills, Minnesota.
Essays are due April 1, 2022 and can be submitted in 3 simple ways:
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Email: info@think-off.org
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Mail: Think-Off, c/o Cultural Center, P.O. Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567
All are welcome to attend the great debate on Saturday, June 11, 2022, and cast your vote to help determine the answer to this year’s question. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Student admission is just $5.
To buy tickets online, click here >
To learn more about the Think-Off's history, start here >
To see past media features about the Think-Off, click here >
If you have questions about participating in this event, please call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.
