Think-Off Essays Due April 1

2021 Great American Think-Off Essays due April 1st

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?

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. The winner of the live debate will earn the title of “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2021.

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:

If you entered into the 2020 Think-Off (which was canceled due to COVID), your essay is still included in the 2021 contest. If you choose, you are able to revise or rewrite your essay prior to the April 1 deadline. Please mark “revised” in the online form.

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.  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.