While there's no known origin for the exact phrase, similar sentiments are found in various cultures and literature throughout history.
Here are some examples:
* "The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children." This is a quote from the Bible, specifically Exodus 20:5.
* "The past is never dead. It's not even past." This line from William Faulkner's novel "Requiem for a Nun" reflects the enduring nature of the past.
So, while no single author "wrote" the proverb, it captures a universal truth about the lingering effects of past actions.