Think-Off set for Saturday in NY Mills

The 32nd Annual Great American Think-Off, a program of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, returns Friday and Saturday, June 13–14, inviting the public to explore one of life’s biggest questions: “Is there only one truth, or are there many truths?”

This long-running annual philosophy debate draws thinkers from across the country to rural New York Mills, where finalists present their arguments before a live audience that votes to crown “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2025.

Arguing that there is only one truth:

• Pavithra Krishnan, a college student from Troy, Mich.

• David Eckel, a retiree from Clayton, N.C.

Arguing that there are many truths:

• David Lose, a pastor from Eden Prairie, Minn.

• Jay Sieling, a retired educator from Miltona, Minn.

During the live debate, each finalist will present and defend their essay, with the audience voting after each of the three rounds. One finalist will ultimately be named America’s Greatest Thinker for 2025.

Each finalist receives a $500 cash prize, lodging at a local bed and breakfast, travel reimbursement to New York Mills, and the chance to win a gold, silver, or bronze medal featuring Rodin’s Thinker sitting atop a tractor. 

Start the weekend with these free-to-attend community events on Friday, June 13.

• 4-8 p.m. – Lone Pine Soup Co. Food Truck. Grab delicious local eats while you enjoy the evening’s events. Parked right outside the Cultural Center.

• 5 p.m. – NY Mills Historical Walking Tour. Led by Chris Schuelke, Otter Tail County Historical Society Executive Director.  Learn about the rich roots of New York Mills, founded in the 1870s. No cost, thanks to an LRAC grant.

• 6-8 p.m. – Finalists and Artists Reception. 

• NY Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery. Meet the 2025 finalists and regional artists in the current exhibit, inspired by the Picasso quote: “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” Artist talks and finalist intros at 7 p.m. Light refreshments and cash bar. Free to attend and open to all.

The weekend continues on Saturday with the main event. 

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m. at the NY Mills School Auditorium. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and students will be just $5 apiece. 

• Buy tickets online at www.kulcher.networkforgood.com/events/80653-2025-great-american-think-off

Can’t attend in person? The debate will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/RegCulturalCtr). Those who view the debate online are invited to donate if they are able, to support civil discourse and rural arts: www.kulcher.networkforgood.com/projects/196268-support-civil-discourse-big-thinking-in-rural-america

Special thanks to the Minnesota Humanities Center, Lake Region Arts Council, and these local partners and sponsors: Whistle Stop BandB; Grass Roots Ottertail; NY Mills Public Schools; Overflow Creative; Farmers and Merchants State Bank; NY Mills Civic and Commerce Association; Property Minders; Toni Ebner; Thursday Night Card Group; Mills Lanes and Lucky Strike Grill; Oma’s Bread; County Cycle; Mills Auto Parts; Certified Auto; Centennial Realty; Mills Liquors and Vandermay Mechanical.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Event details

Philosophers and Artists Reception: Friday, June 13, 6–8 p.m. at  New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Free and open to the public. Refreshments and cash bar available. Preceded by a Historical Walking Tour at 5 p.m.

Live Debate: Saturday, June 14, 7 p.m. at New York Mills School Auditorium. Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door / $5 for students. Tickets available online: 2025 Think-Off Tickets. 

A reception honoring the finalists will be held at the Cultural Center immediately following the debate. All are welcome to attend.

Meet the finalists

David Eckel is a retired small business problem-solver from North Carolina and a longtime Think-Off participant. He previously appeared in 2010, 2013, and 2015, and was named America’s Greatest Thinker in 2010 after arguing that the wealthy do not have an obligation to help the poor.

Pavithra Manu Krishnan is a junior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Outside of academics, she enjoys cinematography, writing poetry, and exploring storytelling through art and film.

David Lose is the senior pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn. He’s also a husband, father of two adult children (and two adolescent golden retrievers), an avid card player, and a passionate fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

Jay Sieling is a retired liberal arts instructor from Alexandria Technical and Community College. He’s also been an at-home parent, small business owner, children’s TV producer, radio announcer, magician, and musician—and is now proudly “just” a grandfather.

About the Great 

American Think-Off

Now in its 32nd year, the Great American Think-Off is a one-of-a-kind philosophy contest where ordinary people tackle extraordinary questions. Created to make philosophy accessible to all, the Think-Off invites thoughtful debate in a respectful, engaging format. It has been featured by C-SPAN, the New York Times, The Today Show, and other national media.

The event is sponsored by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since 1990, the Center has connected people with artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota—celebrating the local and providing a window to the world.

Explore the history of the Think-Off, past questions, and past winners at: www.think-off.org