I can't be the only one, but I feel pretty sure I'm in a minority among computer programmers. This "bottom-up" approach is just not the way my brain works. I definitely feel I'm a top-down sort of thinker and learner, and this puts me at a disadvantage, regarding the literature and approach in this profession.

Are the terms describing the two approaches here "empirical" versus "rational"? I'm talking about building bit by bit as opposed to getting an overview and then drilling down. I definitely feel like I benefit from the second. And I almost feel like it may not be too strong to suggest that I'm actively harmed by the first.

Something like the author's approach is great, for my purposes, when I already pretty much understand something. But I can't start here.

Again, I feel like I'm in a minority. But anyone else have this turn of mind, too? How do you cope? Do you just look for other materials?