Child is the father of man

“Child is the father of man” is an idiom that was first used by the famous poet William Wordsworth in his poetry, this phrase indicates that passing time and age has no effect on the true nature of a person. Even though this phrase has various interpretations it basically means that man is the product of what he used to be like during his childhood.
According to Fredrick Nietzsche:

“In every real man is a child hidden that wants to play.”

First Interpretation:

Adult Personality A Reflection of His Childhood:

When a child reaches the age of eight, he starts to show signs of his character, which blossom when he turns into an adult. Children are pure and innocent in spreading their love, this is the actual reason for their successful transformation into adults. But during their youth, the ups and downs they face in life tend to overpower this love and various hardships that the adolescent faces during this phase of his life often disturbs his peace of mind and as well as his heart which leaves him quite depressed.

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But nonetheless the character of the adult that is displayed is in actuality the reflection of the person’s youngest, purest form of love that later flourishes with the experiences that he gains in life.

“The child is the seed from which will grow forth the adult man.”

Second Interpretation:

Children as Teachers of Adults:

This phrase can also be interpreted as that adults eventually learn from their children as well. The things they have forgotten like how to laugh and smile sincerely; how to love and how to forgive others, the little things in life that one chooses to ignore due to the cruel reality of life that they have experienced first-hand.
Paulo Coelho wisely said:

“A child can teach an adult three things: To be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, And to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.”

Third Interpretation:

Children Today as the Fathers of Tomorrow:

The statement can also be interpreted as the children today will be the father of the men tomorrow. The things the children of today learn will be the picture of tomorrow. If children are optimistic then the future children would more likely be positive as well. But if the children of today are pessimistic, then the future is truly in danger. Thus children should be brought up in a more positive approach in order to help build a better future for the future generations.

Fourth Interpretation:

Child as the Man’s Greatest Achilles Heel:

An interesting way of decoding this phrase is that man is an egoistic person, but despite having pride and not bowing down to any other human, he still cannot resist the wishes his children push on him. One can say that children might be the most fatal weakness man might have. Thus empowering the child to be the father of man. As the father desires his children to be happy, he goes beyond great lengths just to fulfil their wishes.

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Children Raised In Modern Society:

In modern society ruled by internet and media, children are exposed mostly to lies and hatred. The busy life of their parents and bad parenting are resulting in short tempered children. Children crave attention from their parents. If the parents do not pay attention to them, and neglect them instead, than their children are left to face the world alone. They start to feel isolated. Their personalities turn mischievous and they get themselves into trouble, just to get noticed. They have a hard time finding their true selves and in the end the characters they build are disastrous.

Conclusion:

If a child is thoroughly, carefully and steadily guided in life by his parents and family, the child eventually develops a personality that is accepted by all of the people around him. He grows up much more brilliant and talented then the people around him. It is the things that he has learned during his childhood that actually help him out in life. Thus child being the father of man holds true.
As Gustav Stressemann says:

“Just as child is father to the man, so the impressions of ones’ youth remain the most vivid in manhood.”

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