Showing the Unseen?

[asdtank]

<p>I heard many times, as many probably have, that it is important to "show, not tell." Does this mean we need a story or anecdote in our essay? What if we want to describe what we value or something abstract? I understand why it is more potent if we do not directly tell the author what we want them to think, but how does this maxim relate to conceptual essays, or is are conceptual essays disadvantageous? Thank you in advance!</p>