I started experimenting with electronics long pre-arduino as well. I studied electronics later. But still somehow I never got my brain quite wrapped around analog electronics, beyond the basics and the things following pure logic. I would still break my brain on a bi-stable multivibrator using analog components. I guess I am missing some gen.

That said, some analog principles are still needed in the back of your mind when making digital stuff. Input impedance, rise time, ripple etc.