the child is father to the man

The phrase "the child is father to the man" originates from a poem by William Wordsworth. Its meaning can be interpreted in multiple ways, but generally, it suggests that our childhood experiences and early life shape our future selves. In other words, the person we become as adults is greatly influenced by our experiences and upbringing during childhood. This phrase highlights the idea that our character and personality are developed and molded from an early age.