Rebecca Stott says the idea of 'going down a rabbit hole' is often characterised as a bad thing - here, she makes the case for what's to be gained.
"These days we invariably use the phrase 'down the rabbit hole' to describe a negative experience...where people get lost, then become overwhelmed, ensnare themselves in conspiracy theories and can't get back out," she says.
"But I don't believe rabbit holes are bad in themselves. If we avoid them altogether we lose the chance to experience their joy and excitement."
She recalls her own experience of discovery - and tells the story of how Charles Darwin once spent eight years distracted by barnacles.
Producer: Sheila Cook Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Identity and Theft
In the Grey Zone
A Plate of Pfeffernusse
A Lump of Coal and a Black Bun
Taking Time
Dearly Beloved
The Usefulness of Pessimism
On the Curiosity of Children
10,000 Steps
The Strangeness of Dreams
Material World
Looks Like Rain
Red Squirrel Good?
On Deer Stalking
No News Is Good News
The Piano: A Lifetime of Wrong Notes
Mixed Signals
The Wink of Dishonour
In the Spite House
My Love Affair with the Mysterious
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The Infinite Monkey Cage
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