I used to use Vim as just another editor until I understood the importance of modes (through Drew Neil's Practical Vim[1]). He explained how the various modes allowed the programmer to, while at work, go through the same motions a master painter (a profession I deeply respect). I was sold, and now I see myself as a painter more than a programmer. Sometimes you need these stories, not extra features, to prefer a tool over several others.

[1]: https://pragprog.com/book/dnvim/practical-vim