Seconded. In my view, the anecdotes are there such that the idea is more salient and hangs around longer in your head.
Sure, you can read 10 self-help summaries in an hour, but I don’t think that gives you 10x the same amount of benefit as reading about one concept for an hour. (If anything, I don’t even think you get 1x the same amount of benefit, as you have to factor in potential confusion sorting everything out, etc.)
The padding can also be useful if you’re trying to learn via example, or learn what the stereotype of The Concept looks like.
Seconded. In my view, the anecdotes are there such that the idea is more salient and hangs around longer in your head.
Sure, you can read 10 self-help summaries in an hour, but I don’t think that gives you 10x the same amount of benefit as reading about one concept for an hour. (If anything, I don’t even think you get 1x the same amount of benefit, as you have to factor in potential confusion sorting everything out, etc.)
The padding can also be useful if you’re trying to learn via example, or learn what the stereotype of The Concept looks like.