If money is a science, then it is a dark science... it has gone on developing... by its own rules

If money is a science, then it is a dark science... it has gone on developing... by its own rules

In Neal Stephenson's works, particularly in his novel "Cryptonomicon," the idea of money as a dark science is a recurring theme. Stephenson explores the concept of money as a complex and mysterious force that operates according to its own rules, often beyond the understanding of the average person.

Money, in Stephenson's view, is not just a medium of exchange or a store of value, but a powerful and enigmatic force that shapes the world in profound ways. It is a science in the sense that it operates according to certain principles and laws, but it is a dark science because those principles are often hidden or obscured from view.

One of the key aspects of money as a dark science in Stephenson's work is the idea that it has gone on developing by its own rules, independent of human control or understanding. In "Cryptonomicon," for example, the characters are drawn into a complex web of financial transactions and schemes that seem to have a logic of their own, beyond the comprehension of even the most savvy investors.

Stephenson's portrayal of money as a dark science reflects a broader skepticism about the workings of the modern financial system. He suggests that money has become so complex and opaque that it is no longer possible for individuals to fully understand or control it. Instead, money operates according to its own logic, driven by forces that are often hidden or obscured from view.

This idea is particularly relevant in the context of the financial crises and scandals that have rocked the global economy in recent years. Stephenson's portrayal of money as a dark science highlights the dangers of a system that operates according to its own rules, beyond the understanding or control of ordinary people.

Overall, Stephenson's exploration of money as a dark science in his work serves as a powerful critique of the modern financial system and the ways in which it can shape and distort our world. By highlighting the mysterious and enigmatic nature of money, Stephenson challenges us to question the assumptions and beliefs that underlie our economic system and to consider alternative ways of thinking about wealth and value.