Great American Think-Off

Since 1993, the small town of New York Mills has held “The Great American Think-off” (GATO). It is an
annual philosophy essay contest and debate. I have been aware of it’s existence since the
start. I was amused that one of the early finalists thought they’d won a trip to New York. I have
also been aware of the town itself for nearly my whole life. My dad grew up in the next town up
the road and had played baseball for the New York Mills town team. We passed through ‘Mills’
on every trip to see my grandmother and cousins.

Last year my wife and I met up with several of my cousins and their kids in New York Mills for a
meal and fellowship. My cousin Bob said “Listen, I can’t stay long. The Think-off is tonight
and I rarely miss it.” I wanted to go with, but my wife reminded me our dog had been home all
day and we hadn’t planned for a long night out. So I told Bob “Next year, I am going to go with
you! I might even enter!” When the question for 2025 was announced in January “Are there
Many Truths? Or Only One Truth?” I was off to the thinking-races!

The question was one that I had wrestled with in a philosophy course as an undergrad at
Gustavus Adolphus College. Back then, I had argued for one objective truth. I knew I still had
that essay in some box in some closet somewhere. The search was in vain, and my thoughts
turned in a different direction. I held mini-Socratic sessions with my 5 year old grandson.
“What does it mean if something is true, Finn?” “How do you know something is real?” The
answers led me to craft an essay supporting the proposition of many truths. I completed
writing/re-writing by mid March, with the essay due April 1. I sent it off and then forgot about it.

On April 29, I received an email from the New York Mills Regional Culture Center. My essay
had won a top place. I was a finalist in The Great American Think-Off! The official
announcements came out on May 1. I texted my cousins, family and some friends. Some
were aware of The GATO, some hadn’t heard to it. My cousin Bob replied to the group that it
really is a pretty big deal. Hundreds and hundreds of submissions are received. Only four are
invited to the live debate. I won a trip to New York! (Mills)

In the weeks before the event, there were press releases, interviews, logistic planning. And
studying. I was of course happy to participate, but wanted to give a good showing. I gathered
pages of notes trying to anticipate questions and challenges to the argument I presented. I
studied up on possible arguments from the other side. The day before the main event, there
was a reception and meet/greet at the Cultural Center. We all received copies of the other
essays. My studies continued as I read, re-read and took notes about those other essays.

In the end, my own essay did not win the day. My side of the question “There are Many Truths”
did prevail, as Pastor David Lose won the title of America’s Greatest Thinker. There was a
record crowd of 300 plus those viewing a live stream online. It was an amazing experience,
highlighted by a surprise from my own family. I had decided to wear a colorful plaid jacket for
the event, with a t-shirt under it. As we gathered at our home that afternoon, my wife said “go
get your outfit and show everyone what you’ll wear tonight” I went back to the closet, and
there with my jacket was a t-shirt with “Stories Matter” embroidered on it. It is a catch phrase I
use often and was a central theme to my essay. Almost in tears, I walked out to discover my
kids and their spouses and kids all had colorful “Stories Matter” shirts!

The GATO experience really reinforced that “Stories Matter”. This year’s event was darkened by
the news of a political assassination that very morning. At a time when there is focus on so
much division – rural/urban – left/right – foreign/domestic – it would seem opposing thoughts
could only be settled through acrimony, shouting, or violence. The Great American Think Off
proves the opposite.

We are capable of dealing with disagreements and hard questions through critical thinking,
sharing, and reason. I participated in the 32nd annual Think Off. For any small town event to
last that long is amazing on its own. The organizers and audience have displayed the
importance of philosophical debate. It is the importance of recognizing a good argument, a
good example, a good story. Stories Matter.

Carrying out the event is a community task. There is a committee that reads and scores the
essays. A group that comes up with the question. A committee prepares questions for the
moderator at the debate. You can be a part of it. Watch for the question for 2026. Think about
it. Write an essay and enter. It’s a great exercise. I will enter again. Or just attend. The
audience gains and provides. Be a part of the story. Stories Matter!