

Patrick McKenzie on Navigating Complex Systems
115 snips Jan 10, 2024
Patrick McKenzie, an entrepreneur and writer known for his influential blog, dives into intriguing topics ranging from the diminishing role of signatures on credit cards to the quirks of banking operations. He shares insights on navigating career choices in Japan and discusses how non-traditional expertise can solve urgent challenges like pandemic preparedness. Additionally, he reflects on cultural contrasts between the U.S. and Japan, the complexities of salary negotiation, and even explores exciting innovations in payment systems and geothermal energy.
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Credit Card Signatures
- You don't have to sign the back of your credit card, it's a misconception.
- It was originally for a promise to the bank, not authentication.
Signature Security
- Handwritten signatures have poor security properties and are easy to forge.
- Modern security wouldn't rely on such easily reproducible methods.
Trust in Transactions
- Trust bank tellers more than waitresses, but a robust system protects you regardless.
- Focus less on individual malfeasance and more on systemic safeguards.