The Evolution of English Spelling

In this episode, Samuel Arbesman sits down with writer Gabe Henry, whose latest book Enough is Enuf delves into the long-running crusade to simplify English spelling (note the purposeful “ENUF” in the title). Everyone senses that English orthography can feel downright irrational, yet spelling-reform campaigns often make readers bristle. Henry unpacks those efforts—missteps, breakthroughs, and all.

Together, Arbesman and Gabe trace the tangled roots of English irregularity, explore past attempts to tame it, and spotlight the luminaries who tried: Benjamin Franklin, Noah Webster, Melvil Dewey, Teddy Roosevelt, and more. Their conversation weighs the case for and against reform, debates how fast change must move to stick, and considers the fresh pressures (and opportunities) technology brings to the spelling frontier.