Are you arguing that metaphors have no value when explaining a concept? I'm sure Shakespeare would be a whole lot more boring without the use of metaphor:

  To be, or not to be: one could ponder:
  Whether one's sense of self-worth increases
  In direct proportion to one's ability to accept adversity,
  Or to address challenges,
  And in so doing solve said challenges?

Personally, I prefer the original:

  To be, or not to be: that is the question:
  Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
  The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
  Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
  And by opposing end them?

[Apologies in advance for the inevitably botched translation.]