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
A Brit Abroad
Darkness Made Visible
Investigation of a Dog
A Plea for Nuance
Trickle Down
Notions of Blackness
A Deadly Serious Game
The Queen: An Acceptance of History
Female Fictions
When Everybody Is Somebody
The New Age of Empire
The Samsara of Salmon
No Final Frontier
Dance Cocky
Climate Change and the Fall of Icarus
Chance and Opportunity
The Meanings of Conservatism
Billionaire Bashing
Driving the American Dream
No-Stalgia
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