Exploring Consciousness, Mystery, and Human Understanding
Introduction
I recently read The Secret of Secrets , Dan Brown’s newest novel (Brown of DaVinci Code Fame). This novel has the potential to bring the science of consciousness into the mainstream. I recommend this book to the readers of this newsletter for its inspiration, well-presented science (with a few flaws) and adventure.
Plot Overview
The Secret of Secrets follows the journey of a seasoned symbologist, Professor Robert Langdon, as he unravels an esoteric riddle that spans centuries. The narrative is set against a backdrop of secret societies, ancient manuscripts, and cryptic symbolism. At the heart of the story lies a mysterious artifact-the so-called "Secret of Secrets"-which is said to contain revelations about the origin and potential of human consciousness. The preface notes that the science, experiments and technology referenced in the novel are real and not fiction. Some of referenced experimenters, such as the International Consciousness Research Laboratories , are partners of the BlHS.
Consciousness as the Central Theme
While the novel delivers the suspense and historical intrigue characteristic of Brown's work, it distinguishes itself through its persistent exploration of consciousness. Brown invites readers to grapple with the philosophical question: What is consciousness and is it local (product of the brain) or beyond the material brain? Through Langdon's investigations, the story delves into ancient mysticism, quantum physics, and the latest discoveries in neuroscience. The novel explores the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, the core concern of the BIHS's epistemology.
Though Brown opines with evidence that the brain is NOT consciousness, he conflates the subtle mind with consciousness and misses the connection between the mind and us as the subjective experiencer. He suggests that ancient wisdom could add insight into consciousness yet fails to there. Nevertheless, Brown is opening the door to consciousness not being material.