I consider the story, the anecdotes, the joke, a teaching instrument of unique efficiency. A joke is a structured, compact narrative that makes a point with power, generally by surprise. A good story is exceedingly hard for anyone to forget. It is therefore an excellent pedagogical peg on which to hang a point. Those who do not use stories when they try to explain or communicate are either inept at telling them or blindly forfeit a tool of great utility.

— The New Joys of Yiddish by Leo Calvin Rosten, Lawrence Bush