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
Experience Trumps Facts
Perpetual Lockdown
Don't Mention the War
Pets Aren't People!
Brief Encounters
The Great Conjunction
Reflections on My Mother's Kenwood Mixer
The Pro-Mask Movement
What's the Magic Number?
Conspiracy Theories and a Good Hair Cut
Having the 'Wrong' Politics
Thinking Otherwise
A Fine Line
Tolerance: the Unfashionable Virtue
The End of Progress?
Gender in the Blender
The Big Benefits of Smallness
A Hazy Shade of Winter
Legacy Bottle Opener
Coronavirus and Convention
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Global News Podcast
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
The Infinite Monkey Cage
You’re Dead to Me
Elis James and John Robins