At work we somehow landed on the topic of how many holes a human has, which then evolved into a heated discussion on the classic question of how many holes does a straw have.

I think it’s two, but some people are convinced that it’s one, which I just don’t understand. What are your thoughts?

  • @SpaceNoodle
    3•11 months ago

    Topologically, yes. Buy you could also go down a bit, make a lateral tunnel, then pop back up.

    • livus
      4•11 months ago

      So what you are saying is, if I dig a hole that doesn’t go anywhere, then that’s not really a hole?

      • @SpaceNoodle
        2•11 months ago

        Topologically, yes. Coincidentally, “Hole to Nowhere” is the best Talking Heads parody album.

      • eu
        2•11 months ago

        In topology, yes. It must go through to count.

        • livus
          3•11 months ago

          That’s fascinating. So most of what I would call “holes” are what, in topographical terms, hollows? Depressions?

          • eu
            3•11 months ago

            I don’t even know if they have a name for that since it can simply be undone by stretching the object, which is allowed under topological rules.