By Greta Foss

Summer Intern

Allen Taylor, a trucker from Colorado, was victorious at the 2026 Great American Think Off. Taylor argued that the pursuit of happiness has not made Americans unhappy. He did this by examining the definition of happiness, and questioning how we look at the pursuit of happiness. He argued that the pursuit of anything “teaches, encourages, motivates.” 

The event took place on June 13 at the New York Mills Public Library. 

“They are not pursuing their happiness they find happiness in their pursuits,” said McCamant.

“Who is defining and what is the definition of happiness,” said Iverson.

“If you plan to be unhappy tomorrow, you will be, the planning for a better day tomorrow is the first step for happiness tomorrow.” “Because you can only catch what you perceive,” said Taylor

“Focus on this idea that humans are not valuable because of what we contribute, we’re valuable inherently,” said Kolak

The first round started with both Thaddeus and Iverson reading their essays as to why the pursuit of happiness has made people unhappy. McCamant explained that in his experience he found that the American pursuit of happiness was “like the end of a rainbow, was always a few steps away.” 

He explained how purpose and community are important components of happiness that tend to be neglected in the American pursuit of happiness. “They are not pursuing their happiness they find happiness in their pursuits,” said McCamant.

Iverson talked about how Americans have turned the pursuit of happiness into a race to and end goal that is often unachievable. She expressed her belief that defining what your goals are rather than the normalized path will lead to greater happiness. She expressed discontent with setting standards for happiness, asking the question “who is defining and what is the definition of happiness?”

  The second round allowed Lorie Kolak and Allen Taylor to give their arguments as to why the pursuit of happiness has not made Americans unhappy. Lorie first read her essay telling the story of how she was able to find happiness even when her life was disrupted by illness. She argued that looking to solve every problem that presents itself will not lead to happiness. “Focus on this idea that humans are not valuable because of what we contribute, we’re valuable inherently,” said Kolak. Allowing oneself to focus on what brings happiness in times of hardship will bring forward happiness. 

Taylor argued that there is no guarantee to happiness despite the fact people are allowed to pursue it. People must define their own pursuit of happiness. 

In his opinion, “the neat thing about the pursuit of happiness is I get to decide what it is.” 

He expressed his idea that you can pursue happiness, you can pursue unhappiness, but you get to decide. 

The audience voted the finalists of the night to be Julie Iverson arguing that the pursuit of happiness has made Americans unhappy, and Allen Taylor arguing that the pursuit of happiness has not made Americans unhappy. 

In the final round, the two contestants were allowed to answer more questions from the moderator before giving their closing argument. 

Taylor argued that in order to gain happiness, people need to switch their perspective. He said that setting one’s intentions toward being happy will make a person happier. 

Iverson concluded the night by arguing that personal happiness is related to the happiness of others and that happiness should not be a competition. 

The night ended by awarding of medals to all of the finalists and the announcement of the final vote count. Allen Taylor was voted to be the 2026 America’s Greatest Thinker.