Overview
- Ackman shared the line on X as old-school advice for young men, with the post drawing roughly 26 million views and thousands of comments over the weekend.
- In a follow-up, he said the approach works best when people are moving on subways, elevators, planes, buses, or sidewalks, and noted it could apply across genders.
- Users flooded social platforms with parody memes and real-world trials, with several posted attempts appearing unsuccessful on transit, in parks, and on dating apps.
- Ackman engaged directly with commenters, urging one to “Try again,” rejecting claims his wealth explains results by saying he “didn’t have two nickels then,” and citing hearing of a Stanford undergrad success.
- Experts and commentators said the moment underscored Gen Z reliance on dating apps, the higher emotional stakes of live rejection, and debates over how delivery and personal advantages shape outcomes.