2021 Great American Think-Off Question

28th Annual Think-Off Question Announced January 1, 2021

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 2021 debate will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 in New York Mills, Minnesota.

 

Essays are due April 1, 2021 and can be submitted in 3 simple ways:

All are welcome to attend the great debate on Saturday, June 12, 2021, and cast your vote to help determine the answer to this year’s question and name “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2021.  Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Student admission is just $5.  CLICK TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE.

To learn more about the Think-Off’s history, start here >

 

If you have questions about participating in this event, please call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.