Additional Coverage:
- ‘The Da Vinci Code’ stunned the world. Now Dan Brown releases his most ambitious book yet (latimes.com)
Bestselling Author Dan Brown Tackles Consciousness in New Thriller
Dan Brown, the author of “The Da Vinci Code,” is back with a new thriller, “The Secret of Secrets,” exploring the nature and future of human consciousness. The novel centers around the theft of a manuscript that could revolutionize our understanding of the world.
The manuscript’s author, Katherine Solomon, is a leading researcher in noetics, the science of parapsychology. Her work focuses on nonlocal consciousness—the idea that our brains receive consciousness externally.
Brown, known for his intricate plots and meticulous research, spent eight years delving into brain science to craft this story. He explains, “There’s no bigger theme than human consciousness.
It’s the lens through which we experience reality.” He believes that our current model of consciousness is outdated and that new research will dramatically shift our worldview.
“The Secret of Secrets” delves into the science of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Brown explains that when GABA levels drop significantly, our perception of reality can change, potentially offering a glimpse into another reality. This phenomenon is linked to the experiences of epilepsy patients during seizures and individuals who have near-death experiences.
Brown’s research led him to the work of noetics researchers like Chris Roe and Michael Daw, whose studies suggest that consciousness may exist outside the body and brain, unconstrained by time and space. Initially skeptical, Brown now believes there’s evidence supporting the possibility of consciousness outside the body.
In the novel, Solomon believes her discovery could foster global unity. However, powerful forces aim to weaponize this knowledge, leading to a thrilling chase across Prague, a city steeped in mystical history.
Brown chose Prague as the setting because of its historical connection to alchemists and Kabbalists who explored metaphysical ideas. He meticulously researched the city, visiting monuments and even a bomb shelter, to ensure accuracy in his descriptions.
Brown draws parallels between the themes in “The Secret of Secrets” and artificial intelligence, a topic he explored in his previous novel, “Origin.” While acknowledging the potential for misuse, he remains optimistic about AI’s future, believing it will primarily be used for good.
He holds a similar view regarding advancements in neuroscience, despite the ethical questions they raise. He believes that the emerging model of consciousness will ultimately bring more good than harm.