This October 2021 episode of the 99% Invisible podcast sheds light on the curious history of the alphabetical order and how it became our default way of organizing knowledge.

From academia to phone books, the alphabetical order is so deeply embedded into Western culture that we often overlook its origins and evolution.

In 2008, when Beijing Summer Olympics organizers arranged countries in the parade of nations based on their Chinese names, it caused confusion for broadcasters worldwide.

We have become hardwired to expect the alphabetical order.

Roman Mars is an American radio producer, podcast host, and author.

In his long-running podcast, 99% Invisible, Mars uncovers the overlooked aspects of design that shape our daily lives.

This episode from October 2021 focuses on the extraordinary history of the alphabetical order — how it became the default, how we wrote before it was invented, and how it affects our access to knowledge.

As part of his research, 99% Invisible reporter Daniel Semo discussed with experts letter worker Timothy Donaldson, independent scholar Peter Daniels, and historian Judith Flanders, author of A Place for Everything.