If someone is prepared for their purpose in life from a young age, the results can sometimes become visible quite early. When that goal involves a career in sports, science, or art, there is little harm in starting from the very beginning. After all, a lean body, a sharp mind, or a trained eye could significantly improve their chances of success.

More uncomfortable and awkward, however, are those toddlers on stage participating in pageants. Exposing a girl to the scrutiny of beauty pageants can distort her values, leading her to believe that physical appearance is more important than developing inner character. Children who take part in beauty pageants are often objectified and inappropriately sexualized at an early age.

In nature, the effects of early guidance can be seen too. Consider the trained branches of a vine, carefully directed to produce grapes for wine. Or the meticulously trimmed limbs of a bonsai tree, cultivated for cuteness and beauty – like a pageant in tree form. But what happens when the purpose of your existence is reduced to becoming a collection of perfectly cut square wooden poles?