This quote, attributed to Abraham Lincoln, is a metaphorical way of saying that if you are not a priority or a top customer in a particular context, then it’s better not to waste your time expecting special treatment or immediate attention. The ‘ticket’ here can be interpreted as a request or a plea that you want to send across. If you are not a ‘top customer’, which means if you are not someone who is considered important or influential in that context, your ‘ticket’ or request might not be taken seriously or might be ignored.
The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding your position and value in a particular scenario. It suggests that if you are not in a position of influence or importance, it’s better to not waste your time expecting immediate attention or special treatment. It’s a reminder to be realistic about your expectations based on your standing or status.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied in various contexts. For example, in a professional setting, if you are not a key player or an influential person in your organization, your ideas or suggestions might not be taken seriously or might be ignored. So, it’s better to understand your position and work your way up to a position of influence before expecting your ideas to be taken seriously.
In terms of personal development, this quote can be seen as a reminder to understand your worth and value. It encourages you to work on improving yourself and increasing your value, so that your opinions and ideas are taken seriously. It also suggests that you should not waste your time expecting recognition or validation from others if you have not earned it. Instead, focus on improving yourself and increasing your value.