The quote from Neal Stephenson's "Quicksilver" deftly encapsulates the enigmatic and often opaque nature of financial systems. It casts money as a form of science—a discipline built on principles and experiments—but characterizes it as "dark," suggesting a complexity and perhaps a moral ambiguity beneath the surface. This portrayal resonates in our contemporary world, where the mechanics of global finance, markets, and economic policies often seem inscrutable to the average person. The phrase "it has gone on developing... by its own rules" speaks to the autonomous evolution of financial systems, implying that their growth and adaptation might be insulated from ethical considerations or societal oversight.

Reflecting on this, one can appreciate how the metaphor of money as a dark science highlights the power and danger intertwined in economic mechanisms. It reminds us that while money can drive innovation and progress, it can also engender inequality and crisis when governed by hidden or self-serving principles. This duality hints at the need for greater transparency and accountability in financial affairs. It also encourages a critical perspective toward how wealth is created and managed, emphasizing that financial literacy is crucial for navigating a complex world where money operates according to often arcane laws.

Moreover, the quote prompts contemplation about the human role in this "dark science." Are we scientists seeking to understand and control money, or are we subject to its obscured forces? Ultimately, Stephenson's words compel readers to examine the underlying dynamics of money, challenging us to demystify and perhaps redefine the system to serve broader social good rather than merely evolving in isolation through its own inscrutable rules.