Step-by-step explanation:
In the podcast Limetown, the issue of dry rot is used as an example of how even intelligent and educated people can make simple mistakes. Dry rot is a type of fungus that can cause significant damage to wooden structures, and in the context of the show, it serves as a metaphor for the bigger mistakes made by the scientists in Limetown.
In Episode 3, Lia Haddock interviews Emil Haddock, her uncle and one of the original scientists in Limetown. When asked about the problems that arose in the early days of the project, Emil mentions that the scientists made the mistake of using "cheap wood" in the construction of the houses. He goes on to explain:
"Here's the thing about the houses, Lia. They looked beautiful, but they were full of rot. It's the same thing that happens when you try to cut corners in science. We thought we could save a few bucks and still get good results. But you can't. It always catches up with you."
This passage shows that the dry rot issue in the houses was not just a structural problem, but also a symbol for the larger mistakes made by the scientists in Limetown. The use of "cheap wood" to save money reflects the scientists' desire to cut corners and take shortcuts, even if it meant sacrificing quality and safety. The passage also suggests that the scientists were overconfident in their abilities and believed that they could still achieve good results despite the shortcuts they took.
The issue of dry rot in the houses serves as a metaphor for the bigger mistakes made by the scientists in Limetown. It highlights the danger of cutting corners and underestimating the importance of quality and safety, even for intelligent and well-educated people