Dan Brown on Human Technology, Consciousness, and the Intersection of Science and Spirituality
Renowned author Dan Brown, famed for his best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code, recently sat down with EL PAÍS English at his home in New Hampshire to discuss his latest work, The Secret of Secrets, and share his insights on technology, consciousness, and religion. Brown’s new novel shifts focus from his iconic character, Professor Robert Langdon, to Dr. Katherine Solomon, delving deeply into the nature of external consciousness and the age-old question of the separation between body and soul.
A Home Steeped in History and Mystery
Brown’s residence in Exeter, New Hampshire, is evocative of a Dan Brown mystery itself. Bronze deer statues stand guard at the entrance to an expansive English garden, while bookcases cleverly conceal hidden passageways. His collection includes poignant reproductions of da Vinci’s masterpieces, such as The Virgin of the Rocks. Throughout the interview, Brown reflects on his upbringing within a small radius in New Hampshire—surrounded by a private school where his father once taught math and the church where his mother played organ.
Science, Technology, and the Duality of Progress
When asked about the dangers of knowledge, Brown offered a nuanced perspective. “Without kindness, it’s dangerous,” he said emphatically. He stated that humanity has never concocted a technology without eventually weaponizing it, thus amplifying global peril alongside our advancing capabilities. Yet, he maintains hope, emphasizing that love outweighs hate if one looks beyond sensational headlines fixated on evil and conflict.
The author reflected on his admiration for Nikola Tesla’s assertion that science will make monumental strides when it begins to investigate non-physical phenomena. Brown sees science currently grappling with spirituality — a pursuit that challenges entrenched religious dogmas much like the upheaval brought by Copernican and Galilean discoveries centuries ago.
Exploring Consciousness Beyond the Brain
The Secret of Secrets probes one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: the origin and persistence of consciousness. Brown pointed to compelling accounts such as near-death experiences and remarkable cases studied by neuroscience. For instance, Derek Amato, who developed extraordinary piano skills after nearly drowning, and Reuben Nsemoh, a teenager who began speaking fluent Spanish following a traumatic concussion. These instances suggest consciousness may possess a dimension beyond mere brain function, a concept that could redefine our understanding of human existence.
Brown emphasized how religions historically dominated the spiritual discourse, often punishing those who posed heretical questions. Yet, he lamented that inquisitive minds continue to face skepticism and censorship when challenging established worldviews.
The Role of Religion and Mythology in Modern Times
Reflecting on religion’s place today, Brown described a gradual transformation whereby religious narratives, like ancient solar gods, may soon be seen as mythological rather than absolute truth. He contrasted the biblical miracles of his youth with the “miracles” in modern technology, such as smartphone software capable of erasing backgrounds in photos.
When considering his personal beliefs, Brown identified as agnostic, influenced heavily by his early encounters with science, particularly evolution and the Big Bang, which conflicted with the religious teachings he received as a child. The dismissal he felt from clergy—who discouraged his questions—pushed him away from traditional religion toward scientific inquiry.
Challenging Religious Orthodoxy Through Fiction
Brown has faced backlash, notably from the Vatican, for The Da Vinci Code, which explored controversial ideas like Jesus Christ’s potential marriage to Mary Magdalene. He defended these explorations as investigations into overlooked historical evidence rather than attempts to undermine faith. Brown referenced apocryphal texts and art historical observations supporting alternative perspectives on biblical narratives.
Ultimately, Brown views love as the core “religion” or driving force of human experience, critiquing dogmatic positions that exploit pain or suffering. In Inferno, he portrayed antagonists who commit atrocities convinced they are acting for the greater good—an embodiment of misguided zealotry.
Personal Journey from Music to Writing
Brown candidly recounted his evolution from aspiring musician to celebrated writer. Though he composes music and plays piano, life’s unpredictable currents led him to storytelling and novel writing, where his curiosity and philosophical inquiries could flourish.
The inspiration for The Secret of Secrets arose from deeply personal reflections on death, spurred by his mother’s passing. Wrestling with the question of what happens after death, Brown sought scientific and anecdotal evidence that consciousness might survive bodily demise. He underlined the significance of open-mindedness in the face of phenomena many dismiss as unbelievable.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Knowledge
Addressing his previous character—a humorous AI named after his dog Winston from Origin—Brown highlighted how critics underestimated AI’s evolving capabilities, including developing a sense of humor. He echoed Arthur C. Clarke’s maxim that advanced technology appears as magic to the uninitiated, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to exploring contentious, cutting-edge ideas through fiction.
Embracing Doubt and Dialogue
Brown credits his ability to write about controversial subjects to his embrace of doubt and humility, qualities epitomized by his character Robert Langdon. He advocates for conversation and questioning as essential to progress, contrasting with fear-driven resistance.
As Dan Brown continues to challenge the boundaries between science and spirituality through his storytelling, he invites readers to reconsider what it truly means to be human in an age where technology and consciousness converge in unprecedented ways.
