Dan Brown, renowned author of thrillers like *The Da Vinci Code* and *Angels & Demons*, returns with his latest Robert Langdon adventure, *The Secret of Secrets*. This time, however, Langdon trades ancient mysteries for the ultimate enigma: human consciousness. In an interview with NPR, Brown discusses his foray into the fascinating, and often perplexing, world of noetic science.
Brown reveals that the book, eight years in the making, saw Langdon's character evolve significantly. While initially skeptical of the paranormal and conspiratorial, Langdon finds himself drawn into the realm of consciousness studies through his interactions with Katherine Solomon, a noetic scientist. This journey reflects Brown's own personal transformation, as he admits to initially approaching the topic with skepticism, only to emerge with a dramatically altered perspective on death and the nature of reality.
Noetic science, the study of how the human mind can influence physical matter, forms the backbone of the narrative. Brown explains his deep dive into this field, spanning nearly two decades of research. He highlights the astonishing results of mind experiments, many seemingly defying conventional understanding of reality. This exploration leads to a contemplation of profound questions surrounding our existence and the potential for consciousness to transcend physical death.
The author’s personal journey is interwoven with the narrative. Brown candidly shares that his mother’s death served as a catalyst, influencing his exploration of out-of-body experiences and near-death experiences. This exploration, coupled with extensive research, led to a shift in his own beliefs, culminating in a newfound conviction that consciousness might persist beyond physical death – a stark contrast to his initial skepticism.
Brown stresses that this belief isn't rooted in personal spiritual experiences but rather in extensive research and conversations with specialists in the field. He acknowledges the high level of certainty he’s arrived at concerning one of the greatest unknowns, emphasizing the transformative power of these experiences on individuals' lives. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted query about choosing between attending a lecture by Langdon or Indiana Jones, with Brown playfully suggesting students would benefit from either engaging professor.
*The Secret of Secrets* promises a captivating blend of Brown's trademark suspense and a thoughtful exploration of one of humanity's most enduring mysteries – the nature of consciousness itself.
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Originally published at: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5501603/in-his-new-book-author-dan-brown-tackles-the-ultimate-mystery
