Meaning of the word "as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined" in English

What does "as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined

US /æz ðə twɪɡ ɪz bɛnt, soʊ ɪz ðə tri ɪnˈklaɪnd/
UK /æz ðə twɪɡ ɪz bɛnt, səʊ ɪz ðə triː ɪnˈklaɪnd/
"as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined" picture

Idiom

early influences and education shape a person's character and future behavior

Example:
Parents must teach their children good values early on, for as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.
His early interest in science led to a brilliant career; truly, as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.