Duodecimal number systems are not unknown - as most halfbakers are doubtless aware, several languages of the Niger-Kordofian group use duodecimal counting systems, notably Janji, but also Kahugu, Gure, and Piti. With their clear superiority in terms of arithmetic, it is obvious that the only reason we persist with a base-10 system is the coincidence that we happen to have 10 fingers.

Which brings us to the nub of the idea. I propose that all new children should be genetically modified to have 6 fingers on each hand. I realise that the mere mention of genetic modification will induce hyperventilation and severe synaesthesia in several 'bakers, but I believe that in this case accusations of magic would be incorrect. People have been known to be born with six fingers per hand, and in the near future it shouldn't be too hard to isolate this mutation and introduce it to the human germ line all over the world. Given the huge benefits this would bring when dividing by three or four, I ask you all to back this proposal, and give two fingers to the world's children.