so I'm reading through the Mac Plus manual, and I'm struck by how alien some of these concepts must have been.
They have multiple pages devoted to how to use a mouse.
On the other hand, the OS has a very consistent workflow and design language and methodology. They can explain complicated, abstract concepts in simple ways because they are consistent.
Apple of 1985 did a lot of things worth admiring (and a lot of shit, but that's another story.)