Can we settle this: how many holes does a straw have?

Ask Lemmy@lemmy.world – 237 points – 1 years ago

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?

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So how does one “dig a hole?” Straight to China? Or whatever is opposite of you?

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

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

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

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

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.

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