Examples are important in thinking well. They are, after all, the source of our concepts and ideas. They keep us focused on reality, and help keep us from getting lost in errant, “speculative” thought. They are where we should look to learn more about a thing.
Of course, we have to be selective and wise about how we use them, lest we get bogged down in detail. We have abstractions and concepts for a reason. We need efficiency of thought, but it’s useless unless we stay real.