Robert Langdon, the charming and astute Harvard professor, is back on the literary scene in Dan Brown's latest thriller, The Secret Of Secrets. Known for his penchant for unraveling deep philosophical questions while evading antagonists, Langdon has captivated readers in previous bestsellers such as The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons. In this new installment, Langdon dives into the profound mystery of human consciousness, steering away from themes of Christianity and Freemasonry.
In a recent interview, Dan Brown shared insights into how Robert Langdon has changed over the years. "He’s aging much more slowly than I am," Brown joked, highlighting the character's enduring appeal. The writing process for this novel spanned eight years, during which Langdon was thrust into a world where he confronts the skeptical aspects of consciousness, guided by a noetic scientist named Katherine Solomon. Brown elaborates that Langdon evolves into a believer of consciousness phenomena that can seem extraordinary to many.
Brown's exploration of consciousness is not merely a plot device; it's a topic he finds deeply engaging. "There really is no topic bigger, that I can imagine, than consciousness," he explained. The book's inception stemmed from his fascination with the significant questions surrounding human perception and existence. He had previously created the character of Katherine Solomon during research for another project, which sparked his interest in noetic science—the study of how the mind can influence the physical world.
For those unfamiliar, noetic science focuses on the interplay between consciousness and the material universe. "It has really taken me almost two decades to learn enough to write the book," Brown stated, acknowledging the rapid advancements in this field. As he delved into this subject, he encountered mind-boggling experiments that challenge our understanding of reality, revealing that consciousness may be far stranger than previously thought.
Throughout the interview, Brown shared his personal journey with the concept of death and consciousness. Initially skeptical, he experienced a profound shift in perspective as he researched near-death experiences and the potential for consciousness to survive physical demise. "I no longer fear death at all," Brown confessed, attributing this change to the insights gained during his writing process—catalyzed by the loss of his mother eight years ago.
When asked about his belief in life after death, Brown affirmed, "I do." He noted that his views have dramatically shifted, moving from a staunch belief that death is the absolute end to a conviction that consciousness persists beyond physical existence. This newfound belief stems from extensive reading and engaging discussions with experts in the field, as well as individuals who have shared their transformative experiences post-near-death.
Finally, Brown humorously compared his character Langdon to another iconic figure, Professor Indiana Jones. "You know what? I think you would win either way," he said, emphasizing that any educator who sparks curiosity in their students is making a significant impact. This playful comparison underscores the engaging nature of Brown's storytelling and the intellectual adventures Langdon embarks upon.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of The Secret Of Secrets, Dan Brown continues to blend thrilling narratives with profound themes, ensuring that readers are not only entertained but also invited to ponder the mysteries of existence.
