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| | | Author: | jacko  | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 06:12 | | Subject: | Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 237 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
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| | | | | Author: | tec | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 07:07 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| Nah, this is one of those math jokes, you can't do that.
Use this rule: When you have infinites, don't use logic.
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| | | | | Author: | peregrinator | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 07:27 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, jacko writes:
I could not prove it myself without expending more thought than I'd prefer
on a Sunday morning, though I think I have an OK understanding of the proof when
I read it.
I'm not sure the situations are analogous unless "washing machine" is a euphemism
for a device that puts Lego parts together at random, without removing parts,
stopping at random to start a new build. Then it becomes a similar problem, even
though there are far more Lego parts than letters of the Latin alphabet (or even
letters plus symbols, such as would be on a typewriter), there are also far fewer
steps in a build than there are letters in Hamlet, let alone the entire works
of Shakespeare.
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| | | | | Author: | Ingo_Althoefer | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 07:59 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 65 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | | | Author: | SylvainLS | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 12:11 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| No personal information (e-mail) on the forum, please.
I saved the rest of your post:
In Off Topic, Ingo_Althoefer writes:
| | Hello Mark,
several years ago I have done a lot of work on this.
Find some links here:
https://www.althofer.de/brick-washing-links.html
in particular
https://www.althofer.de/kobra-washing.html
| | My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
|
Od course, yes.
| | Anyone able to prove the theorem?
|
It is obvious.
The "only" interesting part would be to compute the expected
run time of the washing machine until success.
[…redacted…]
Regards, Ingo.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | Ingo_Althoefer | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 14:02 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, SylvainLS writes:
| | No personal information (e-mail) on the forum, please.
|
Stick with your rules how you want.
I will never again write in this forum 
people interested in contacting me will find my
email adress in the web.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | SylvainLS | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 14:20 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, Ingo_Althoefer writes:
| | In Off Topic, SylvainLS writes:
| | No personal information (e-mail) on the forum, please.
|
Stick with your rules how you want.
I will never again write in this forum
|
That’s sad 
| | people interested in contacting me will find my
email adress in the web.
|
Indeed, and they can also contact you through BL… so why throw a tantrum because
of the rules of this forum? 
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| | | | | Author: | legoman77 | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 12:09 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
I have read a lot of books written by monkeys. Sometimes the monkeys write it
better than the original.
What is more scary is those monkeys could have written any of my thesises. Not
sure how the plural is spelled, but the monkey would write it correctly at some
point.
John
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| | | | | | | Author: | SylvainLS | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 12:12 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 30 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:
| | […]
What is more scary is those monkeys could have written any of my thesises. Not
sure how the plural is spelled, but the monkey would write it correctly at some
point.
John
|
Singular thesis, plural theses.
Same for paren-.
Do I get a banana?
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | macebobo | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 14:22 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, SylvainLS writes:
| | In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:
| | […]
What is more scary is those monkeys could have written any of my thesises. Not
sure how the plural is spelled, but the monkey would write it correctly at some
point.
John
|
Singular thesis, plural theses.
Same for paren-.
Do I get a banana?
|
Better eat it quick, looks like it is going bad. 
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| | | | | Author: | legoman77 | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 15:18 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
How about an infinite number of universes. Every time we have a choice, bot
universes exist, one for each choice. If I get on the computer and decide which
web site I want to go to, Bricklink or an adult only web site, I actually go
to both at the same time.
John P
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| | | | | | | Author: | popsicle | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 16:19 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 71 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:
| | In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
How about an infinite number of universes. Every time we have a choice, bot universes exist, one for each choice.
|
Enjoyable series, Fringe (If that's what you're referencing with that
take on "Multiverse" thinking?)
| | If I get on the computer and decide which web site I want to go to, Bricklink or an adult only web site, I actually go to both at the same time.
|
Metaphorically? Because you do have to be 18 years of age here. Which appears
to be a major concern for some, with posts like "how old are you?" or "you seem
underaged" commonplace here 
Some of the best posts in any case, John! Thanks
|
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | legoman77 | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 19:13 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| In Off Topic, popsicle writes:
| | In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:
| | In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
How about an infinite number of universes. Every time we have a choice, bot universes exist, one for each choice.
|
Enjoyable series, Fringe (If that's what you're referencing with that
take on "Multiverse" thinking?)
| | If I get on the computer and decide which web site I want to go to, Bricklink or an adult only web site, I actually go to both at the same time.
|
Metaphorically? Because you do have to be 18 years of age here. Which appears
to be a major concern for some, with posts like "how old are you?" or "you seem
underaged" commonplace here
Some of the best posts in any case, John! Thanks
|
Thanks,
Have Fringe and watched it, better than Commander Cody that I am watching now.
But because I am OCD I have to watch everything I have eventually. Buying and
watching Dr Who. A lot of DVDs so I sort of limit how many I buy a month and
it goes on and on. Interesting watching the choice of wardrobe for the females
through all the different time frames the show was produced.
I wonder how many people here wanted to ask me "How old are you?" I do try an
temper my language because I was suspended for two weeks by Troy for being snarky.
Multiple universe concepts were supported by Hawking among others. I rather
doubt it though. I seem to be the only person that thinks he/she is smarter
than Hawking. Oh well. Got to go my other universe that is in my head is calling
for attention.
P nohJ
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | popsicle | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 20:14 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 73 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:
| | In Off Topic, popsicle writes:
| | In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:
| | In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
How about an infinite number of universes. Every time we have a choice, bot universes exist, one for each choice.
|
Enjoyable series, Fringe (If that's what you're referencing with that
take on "Multiverse" thinking?)
| | If I get on the computer and decide which web site I want to go to, Bricklink or an adult only web site, I actually go to both at the same time.
|
Metaphorically? Because you do have to be 18 years of age here. Which appears
to be a major concern for some, with posts like "how old are you?" or "you seem
underaged" commonplace here
Some of the best posts in any case, John! Thanks
|
Thanks,
Have Fringe and watched it, better than Commander Cody that I am watching now.
But because I am OCD I have to watch everything I have eventually. Buying and
watching Dr Who. A lot of DVDs so I sort of limit how many I buy a month and
it goes on and on. Interesting watching the choice of wardrobe for the females
through all the different time frames the show was produced.
|
Never watched it. If you're into DVD watching, we're gonna offload our
collection of about 2,200+ discs, mostly movies but some series. You've got
my contact info it's something you'd like.
| | I wonder how many people here wanted to ask me "How old are you?" I do try an
temper my language because I was suspended for two weeks by Troy for being snarky.
|
Remember those days well...
| | Multiple universe concepts were supported by Hawking among others. I rather
doubt it though. I seem to be the only person that thinks he/she is smarter
than Hawking. Oh well.
|
The idea makes sense or fits when pondering (with my limited intelligence) some
theories of physics. For me, it seems to connect and close open-ended concepts/theories,
make sense somehow. But then I think some politicians make sense too, so...
| | Got to go my other universe that is in my head is calling for attention.
|
See ya when you get back
-elcispop
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| | | | | Author: | Pippysblocks | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 15:24 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| You'd have to use plenty of Calgon.
In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
|
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| | | | | Author: | calebfishn | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 15:53 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
The probabilities against truly random events resulting in even simple meaningful
systems are so astronomical, that they are for all practical purposes, impossible.
To try to get a predetermined, configuration (i.e. a specific lego set) is
even more improbable/impossible.
In your example, selecting a particular set to start with has already made this
less than random, since you don't have any "extra" pieces.
Although the washing machine is constantly rearranging the brick, in a random
way, in order for the scenario to play out, it would be important that someone
who knows exactly what the set looks like, has the ability to see into the washing
machine, and has the power stop the process when the set is complete, and thus
prevent it from being disassembled again into meaninglessness. The actions of
this all-knowing entity would also not be random, but rather intelligent and
purposeful.
(If we ever did find a way to make infinite improbabilities possible, we'd
end up with a Lego Set of Zaphod Beeblebrox's spaceship, the Heart of Gold.)
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| | | | | | | Author: | legoman77 | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 16:05 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| In Off Topic, calebfishn writes:
| | In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
The probabilities against truly random events resulting in even simple meaningful
systems are so astronomical, that they are for all practical purposes, impossible.
To try to get a predetermined, configuration (i.e. a specific lego set) is
even more improbable/impossible.
In your example, selecting a particular set to start with has already made this
less than random, since you don't have any "extra" pieces.
Although the washing machine is constantly rearranging the brick, in a random
way, in order for the scenario to play out, it would be important that someone
who knows exactly what the set looks like, has the ability to see into the washing
machine, and has the power stop the process when the set is complete, and thus
prevent it from being disassembled again into meaninglessness. The actions of
this all-knowing entity would also not be random, but rather intelligent and
purposeful.
(If we ever did find a way to make infinite improbabilities possible, we'd
end up with a Lego Set of Zaphod Beeblebrox's spaceship, the Heart of Gold.)
|
But if an infinity of time the writing has been done already if you ascribe to
the Steady State Theory. The expansion of the universe is now speeding up rather
than slowing down so at some point universe might become so rarefied that another
"big bang" is possible.
John P
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | calebfishn | | Posted: | Oct 18, 2021 00:24 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 34 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
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| I don't think there are many physicists today who will support the steady
state theory, or the idea that time is infinite.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | legoman77 | | Posted: | Oct 18, 2021 02:11 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| In Off Topic, calebfishn writes:
| | I don't think there are many physicists today who will support the steady
state theory, or the idea that time is infinite.
|
Agreed, but the universe is becoming less dense as the expansion speeds up.
It does not seem like there will be a big crunch and then another big bang.
It does toy with the idea that when space becomes so empty there might be a bang
to start another universe.
Another thought, does building with Lego decrease the entropy of the universe?
John P
|
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| | | | | Author: | Teup | | Posted: | Oct 17, 2021 19:09 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| In Off Topic, jacko writes:
| | Hello there,
Just a thought everyone.
I’ve just taken a couple of Lego kits out of the washing machine (which if you’re
not into Lego, may sound rather odd!?)
As I lay the bricks out to dry, I needed to separate a few that have randomly
joined together. This made me think of the infinite monkey theorem.
This states that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for
an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, such as the
complete works of William Shakespeare.
My thought/question is – if you had a washing machine run an infinite number
of wash cycles, with the same kit, would you, on one occasion find that the bricks
have joined together in the correct order and the kit is correctly built?
For more detail, have a look at this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem
Anyone able to prove the theorem?
Regards
Mark
|
The answer is probably: Yes, that will happen, but the abs plastic will fall
apart sooner, the washing machine will break sooner, it would require all water
on the planet several times over, we will all be long dead, the universe will
have ended, etc
Now here's another one.
What if you put THIS one in the washing machine:
Yes, the odds of getting the beatles will be astromonically small but... what
are the odds of getting someone else's face? Maybe even your own. Or just
a totally random person. Real or not real. Imagine what a shocker it would be
if you open it up and like, Stalin suddenly pops out. Since there's a near
endless variation of people's faces, the odds are suddenly looking a lot
better now 
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| | | | | | | Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Oct 18, 2021 03:54 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| | | The answer is probably: Yes, that will happen, but the abs plastic will fall
apart sooner, the washing machine will break sooner, it would require all water
on the planet several times over, we will all be long dead, the universe will
have ended, etc
|
To overcome that problem, just use an infinitely big washing machine with an
infinite number of parts inside.
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| | | | | Author: | bellman101 | | Posted: | Oct 21, 2021 11:13 | | Subject: | Re: Infinite monkey (washing machine) theorem | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
|
| Reading this entire thread has just inspired me to watch this again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQSoaiubuA0
I feel he could have filmed this scene at home, with Lego in his washing machine!
Would have been a LOT cheaper than flying a film crew to Africa!
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United Kingdom, England
Italy, Marche
USA, New Jersey
Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen
France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Canada, Ontario
Netherlands, Utrecht