2023 Great American Think-Off Question Released
Environment & Economy to be Debated
New York Mills, MN—December 30, 2022— The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce the 2023 Great American Think-Off question: Which is more important to protect: the environment or the economy? All are invited to submit an essay answering this question by April 1, 2023.
This is the topic put forth by the Great American Think-Off committee for its 30th annual debate competition. In gathering to select this year’s question, the committee discussed the fact that a question about the environment had never been posed, and felt this year was the right time.
The 30th annual Think-Off question is a challenging philosophical dilemma meant to inspire thinkers from all walks of life. You may believe that both the environment and the economy are important to protect – but for this philosophical contest, you must choose a side. For 30 years we have used civil discourse as a tool to publicly explore ideas and creative solutions, and we want to hear from you.
Perhaps you have seen firsthand the effects of choosing economic growth over environmental protection in your community. Or maybe you are an environmentalist who believes the economy needs more protection at this point in history. Whatever your position, share your thoughts and you could win $500 and become “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2023.
The Great American Think-Off is a philosophical essay and debate competition held each year in rural New York Mills, MN (population 1,294). The contest has received national acclaim and thousands of entries from all 50 states and numerous international countries throughout its 30-year history.
People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit an essay of no more than 750 words for a chance to win one of four $500 cash prizes and participate in the live debate to ultimately answer the question, determined by audience vote. Entrants should take a strong stand, basing their arguments on personal experience and observations rather than philosophical abstraction. Essays are due April 1, 2023. There is no fee to enter, though donations are welcome to help support civil discourse.
To enter, visit kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/ (online submission preferred), email [email protected], or mail essay to NYMRCC, PO Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567. Must be submitted electronically by midnight on April 1 or postmarked by April 1.
The four finalists will be announced on May 1, and each will receive $500 plus travel expenses, along with the chance to win the title of America’s Greatest Thinker at this year’s annual debate held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in New York Mills, MN.
For additional contest details and information on the past 29 years of questions, visit think-off.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.
About the Great American Think-Off:
Now in its 30th year, The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas being explored by everyday people. Designed to bring philosophy down from the ivory towers of academia and accessible to all, the contest has received national acclaim including coverage by C-SPAN, the New York Times, and The Today Show.
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, located in the rural farm and manufacturing town of New York Mills, Minnesota, sponsors this annual philosophy contest and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate. The Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since our incorporation in 1990, we have been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world.
To get a better sense of the Think-Off, find details, historical information, and a list of the past 29 years of questions and winners on the event website think-off.org.
About the Cultural Center
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift shop featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.