Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman has ignited both ridicule and serious discussion after offering unconventional dating advice to solve what he describes as a population crisis. The Pershing Square CEO took to social media platform X to declare that his signature pickup line - 'May I meet you?' - could help reverse declining birth rates.
The billionaire's solution to population decline
Ackman claims his four-word approach, combining proper grammar with politeness, proved highly effective throughout his youth. He suggested deploying the line while in motion on public transport including subways, elevators, escalators, airplanes, and buses for maximum impact.
The billionaire, worth approximately $4 billion, explained his motivation stems from concern about 'the next generation's happiness and population replacement rates'. Ackman insisted the approach should work for all genders and sexual orientations, positioning it as a universal solution to modern dating challenges.
Questioning the billionaire perspective
Critics have questioned whether imposing on strangers in confined spaces represents the most effective approach to addressing demographic concerns. Some suggest that solving underlying social issues exacerbated by wealth inequality might prove more impactful than grammatically correct pickup lines.
Journalist Arwa Mahdawi, who originally reported on Ackman's advice, noted that factors including exorbitant childcare costs, the dire state of public schools, and the ongoing cost of living crisis might better explain why young people are having fewer children. She also referenced Ackman's support for Israel's actions in Gaza, where the conflict has severely disrupted healthcare including prenatal services.
A pattern of questionable romantic guidance
Ackman isn't the first wealthy figure to offer controversial relationship advice. The article references several other examples from prominent figures:
Donald Trump previously warned against employing one's spouse, claiming this contributed to the breakdown of his first marriage to Ivana Trump.
Fox News host Jesse Watters boasted about sabotaging a colleague's car tires to create dating opportunities, though he later claimed this was humorous exaggeration.
Recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents revealed Harvard economist Larry Summers seeking relationship advice from the convicted sex offender, including discussions about responding to women's emails.
Elon Musk has reportedly offered his sperm to acquaintances to address population concerns, while Telegram founder Pavel Durov has fathered numerous children through sperm donation programs.
As these wealthy figures propose personal solutions to structural problems, critics argue that addressing systemic issues affecting family formation might prove more effective than billionaire dating tips for solving genuine demographic challenges.
