Pythagorean Cup: Turning Greedy Partygoers into Wet Blankets

Have you ever heard of a cup that could teach you a lesson in moderation? The Pythagorean Cup, also known as the Greedy Cup, is a fascinating ancient artifact that does just that. Invented by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, this deceptively simple-looking cup is designed to empty its contents if filled beyond a certain point.

Imagine a regular-looking cup with a central column and a small hole at the bottom. As long as you fill the cup below a specific line, you can enjoy your drink without any issues. However, if you get greedy and fill it past that point, something magical happens. The liquid rises up a hidden channel inside the column, triggering a siphon effect that drains the entire cup.

A cross-section of a Pythagorean cup when filled with wine.

So, why did Pythagoras create such a device? The legend suggests that he wanted to teach his followers the importance of moderation. By designing a cup that punished greed, he created a tangible

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