Should we avoid distraction?

Distraction has many benefits. Shifting our conscious attention away from what we are working on can often lead to new insights or ideas. The very willingness to be distracted reflects a kind of openness to what is going on around us that is part of having a curious, inquiring mind. In contrast, I often find people who monomaniacally keep their focus on just one thing quite disturbing.

FT Magazine column (2/3 May)