Australian mathematicians shatter the age-old ‘infinite monkey theorem,’ proving that even with endless time, random typing can’t recreate Shakespeare’s genius.
At a Glance
- The ‘infinite monkey theorem’ suggests random typing could eventually produce Shakespeare’s works
- Australian mathematicians demonstrate this is “almost certainly” impossible within the universe’s lifespan
- Study assumed one monkey typing for 30 years on a 30-key keyboard
- Even with 200,000 chimps, the probability of producing Shakespeare’s works was negligible
- Researchers conclude monkey labor can’t replace human creativity in creating complex written works
Debunking the Infinite Monkey Theorem
In a groundbreaking study, two Australian mathematicians have effectively demolished the popular notion that an army of randomly typing monkeys could eventually produce the complete works of William Shakespeare. This concept, known as the ‘infinite monkey theorem,’ has long captured the public imagination but now faces a formidable challenge from the realm of rigorous statistical analysis.
The study, which pushes the boundaries of probability theory, assumed a single monkey typing one key per second for 30 years on a 30-key keyboard. To put this in perspective, the researchers extended their timeline to the theoretical ‘heat death’ of the universe, estimated at a mind-boggling googol years (that’s 1 followed by 100 zeros).
The Astronomical Odds
The findings of this research are nothing short of staggering. Dr. Stephen Woodcock, one of the study’s authors, put it bluntly:
“It’s not even like one in a million,” he said.
To illustrate the sheer improbability, the study found that there’s only a 5% chance of a monkey typing the word “banana” in its entire lifetime. Now, consider that Shakespeare’s works contain 884,647 words, none of which are “banana,” and the task becomes even more daunting.
It's not to be. Universe too short for Shakespeare typing monkeys | University of Technology Sydney
A monkey randomly pressing keys on a typewriter for an infinite amount of time would eventually type out the complete works of Shakespeare purely by chance, according to the… pic.twitter.com/606uxd48s9
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) October 30, 2024
Scaling Up: More Monkeys, Same Impossibility
Not content with crushing the dreams of a single hypothetical monkey, the researchers expanded their scenario to include 200,000 chimpanzees, assuming a stable population until the universe’s end. Even with this veritable army of simian typists, the probability of producing Shakespeare’s works remained so low as to be effectively zero.
“If every atom in the universe was a universe in itself, it still wouldn’t happen,” Woodcock remarked.
This statement from Dr. Woodcock puts into stark relief the astronomical odds against random chance producing works of literary genius. It’s a sobering reminder of the unique value of human creativity and intellect.
Implications Beyond Literature
While the study focuses on Shakespeare’s works, its implications reach far beyond literature. It challenges popular misconceptions about the power of randomness and probability in creating complex, structured outcomes. This research serves as a potent reminder that significant human achievements – be they in literature, science, or technology – are the result of directed effort, creativity, and intelligence, not mere chance.
The study’s humorous conclusion, referencing Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” drives home the point that monkey labor cannot replace human creativity. It’s a witty nod to the Bard himself, who likely would have appreciated the irony.
