"There's a statistical theory that if you gave a million monkeys typewriters and set them to work, they'd eventually come up with the complete works of Shakespeare. Thanks to the Internet, we now know this isn't true"

The quote by Ian Hart humorously critiques the concept that offered sufficient time, random procedures could produce any result, consisting of something as complex as the complete works of Shakespeare. This principle is rooted in the limitless monkey theorem, a popular mathematical metaphor proposing that a monkey arbitrarily striking keys on a typewriter for a boundless amount of time would almost undoubtedly type any given text, such as Shakespeare's total works. The theorem illustrates possibility and randomness, abstractly recommending that anything that can occur will take place, given sufficient time.

Hart's quip takes this abstract concept and juxtaposes it with the reality of the Internet, a space where immense quantities of material are constantly created. His punchline suggests that regardless of the large quantity of content produced online by countless users-- comparable to the proverbial monkeys-- we have yet to see a random emergence of works comparable to Shakespeare's work of arts. In essence, the digital chaos of the Internet has shown that random or equalized content production doesn't immediately relate to high-quality or coherent results.

This observation can be translated on multiple levels. First, it highlights the distinction between mere volume of material and the quality or coherence of that content. Secondly, it highlights the value of intentional creativity over randomness. Unlike the aimless efforts of the theoretical monkeys, meaningful creations, like Shakespeare's works, need purpose, skill, and inspiration.

Additionally, it acts as a commentary on the nature of Internet material production. With the rise of details and material online, much of it is unfiltered or does not have substantive value. This challenges the positive belief that democratizing content creation will naturally result in excellence. Rather, Hart's wry remark suggests that intentional, proficient craftsmanship is irreplaceable, underscoring the long-lasting worth of quality over simple quantity in creative undertakings.