Even on this website that you are reading, you may come across the fact that there are many Top 10 (somethings). In the general media we see it in a similar form. The Discovery Channel is known for having series of Top 10's (or 20"s, a multiple of 10). In business magazines most of us might be acquainted with Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Fortune 1000, and Fortune Global 2000 (once again, all multiples of 10). Now the question is, what are the Top 10 reasons why the number 10 is used to such an extent? I'm just kidding, I couldn't think of 10, but here are a couple.
First, we have 10 in mathematics. As it is, most of the world functions on the decimal system, which is values 0 to 9. The reason 10 is used as a numeral system is due to the fact that humans have four fingers on both hands, plus one thumb. In total, we have 10 digits on our body, and the same goes for one's toes. Divide anything by 10 and your quotient will be a rational number. Multiply anything by 10 and your product will result be a rational number (unless you multiply by an irrational number). In the end, the number 10 is an all-around pleasing number in mathematics.
Now we can move to the second reason, found in religion. If one studies the biblical book of Revelation, they will see that the number 10 is usually associated with God and his kingdom. The number 10 is used to indicate what is complete in God's eyes for organization. Earlier in the Bible, the Ten Commandments appear, as well as the 10 Plagues. Jews and some Christians may follow the practice of tithing of the Bible, where one gives 10% (or one-tenth as stipulated by the Bible) of their produce or money, be it to the church or to the poor. The Bible mentions The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel (those of the Kingdom of Israel, and not Judah or Benjamin). Once again the number 10 does not fail.
The number 10 is, generally, a complete number, and that is the best way to explain why it is liked. Who knows, maybe they should change The Top 10 Lists for The Top 2 Lists, I mean, that's how I did it.
Next off, why did I choose the number two for this list? Well, there are mathematical and religious reasons for this as well. Find out in the next part.
