Origin
This proverb originated in 1671.
Explanation
The proverb “The Child is the Father of Man” apparently sounds paradoxical. But it contains an important inner message. It means that the conduct of a child indicates what he will become when he grows up. Childhood shows the man as morning shows the day. Naturally what a child learns and assimilates will be reflected in his words and works in his later life. For example, if a person forms good habits right from his childhood, he will live a life of discipline. His life will be full of happiness. He will be an asset to the nation. Reversely, a boy who forms bad habits will harm the society at large.
People’s personalities form when they are children; a person will have the same qualities as an adult that he or she had as a child.
Example
In Bill’s case, the child is the father of man; he never lost his childhood delight in observing Nature.
Shopping Cart