Great American Think-Off

04/07/2026

🎉 Giveaway Announcement! 🎉

The final two winners of our 2026 Great American Think-Off Giveaway are Shannon O’Brien and Andrew Napier!

Thank you to everyone who submitted an essay this year! Finalists will be announced on May 1, 2026–stay tuned!

A special thank you to Big Pine Books in Perham, MN, for their generous support. Be sure to stop in and check out their wonderful bookstore!

Perham's independent bookstore and coffee shop located on main street.

04/03/2026

📢Due to intermittent technical issues on our website on April 1st, the Great American Think-Off Essay Deadline has been EXTENDED TO APRIL 5TH, 2026 @ 11:59 P.M.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and support of the Think-Off.

Click to submit your essay:
https://kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/

04/02/2026

We have been notified of an issue with our website. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please try the online submission form here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaZeeoskVYcuMSJ_qTvx8ClpI2VdpB6FjdIBGgISNUcBSxJw/viewform

03/29/2026

💡 Think you’ve got an opinion? Prove it!

The Great American Think-Off wants your 750-word essay by April 1, 11:59 PM.

2026 Question: Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

Finalists earn $500 and a weekend in New York Mills, MN.

Learn more: https://www.kulcher.org/join-the-debate-2026-great-american-think-off-question-announced/

03/27/2026

⏰ Deadline Approaching! ⏰

The Great American Think-Off invites everyone—no credentials required—to submit a 750-word essay taking a strong position on the 2026 question.

💭 Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

Submit your essay before 11:59 PM on April 1st: https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/

03/26/2026

Thanks Lakeland PBS for helping spread the word about our upcoming essay deadline!

https://youtu.be/MkCUDleiERk?si=BzzBV_w4qaBV6Ngr

Submit your essay here before April 1:
https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/

Originally aired March 25, 2026 on Lakeland News- - - - - - - - -Watch more local & breaking news for north-central MN: https://lptv.org/lakeland-news/Like &...

03/24/2026

📝 2026 Great American Think-Off - Essay Deadline Approaching - https://mailchi.mp/kulcher/2025-think-off-question-12757026

03/23/2026

It looks like Adam Grant was thinking about this topic back in 2015! Check out this 5 minute read as possible fodder for YOUR essay... do you agree or disagree with Adam?!?

https://medium.com//does-trying-to-be-happy-make-us-unhappy-21d3a60ea05

As we muddle through our days, the quest for happiness looms large. In the U.S., citizens are granted three inalienable rights: life…

03/17/2026

🎉 Great American Think-Off — Gift Card Giveaway! 🎉

We’re excited to announce a special giveaway for essay entrants this year! Everyone who submits an essay for the Great American Think-Off will be entered into a drawing to win eGift cards to Big Pine Books in Perham, Minnesota.

It’s simple:
👉 Submit your essay
👉 Get entered for a chance to win!

🏆 Two winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 25, and an additional two winners will be announced on April 2.

A huge shoutout to for generously donating these awesome prizes. Your support helps make this event even more special for our writers and thinkers! 🙌

📥 Submit your take on this year's question:
Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/

Join the Debate: 2026 Great American Think-Off Question Announced 33rd Annual Think-Off Debate Essays Due April 1 Finalists Announced May 1 Live Debate June 13, 2026 The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce the 2026 Great American Think-Off question: Has the pursuit of happ...

03/15/2026

What happens when everyday people debate life’s biggest questions?

That’s the idea behind the Great American Think-Off.

Each year since 1993, the Cultural Center in New York Mills invites writers from all walks of life to submit a short essay (750 words or less) exploring a thought-provoking question. The focus isn’t abstract philosophy—it’s your lived experience and perspective.

Four writers are selected as finalists, awarded $500 each, and invited to New York Mills to debate their ideas in front of a live audience on the second Saturday in June. The audience then votes to decide who will be named the Greatest Thinker.

2026 Question: Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

Submit your essay before April 1st: https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/

03/12/2026

Think you have what it takes to be the 2026 Greatest Thinker? 💡

Now’s your chance! Submit your essay for the Great American Think-Off by midnight on April 1 for a shot at being one of four finalists to debate live on stage in New York Mills, MN.

2026 Question: Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

What you need to know:
✨Open to all ages and backgrounds; free entry
✨Essay limit: 750 words
✨$500 cash for each finalist
✨Finalists announced: May 1
✨Live debate: June 13
✨Audience votes to determine the Greatest Thinker!

Learn more: https://www.kulcher.org/join-the-debate-2026-great-american-think-off-question-announced/

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your ideas, win cash, and debate live. Start writing today! 🖋️