"Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them"

This quote by Richard Wagner is an amusing method of expressing the concept that a person ought to not pay excessive attention to those who are trying to accentuate themselves. It suggests that if one pays excessive attention to those who are attempting to draw attention to themselves, it will only motivate them to continue doing so. This could be analyzed as a cautioning to not provide excessive attention to those who are attempting to draw attention to themselves, as it might result in them becoming more and more attention-seeking. It might likewise be interpreted as a tip to focus on the important things in life, rather than getting sidetracked by those who are attempting to accentuate themselves. Eventually, this quote is a tip to stay focused on the important things in life, and not to get distracted by those who are attempting to draw attention to themselves.