Since many people have their own ultimate aim, most of them frequently find themselves standing at the turning point in their life. Advancements, retreats or neither of them could be made by the result of one short moment. As these cases apply to all living things, Bilbo is not an exception. Actually, Bilbo goes through more decision-makings in a short time, for his harsh adventures. But no matter when he comes to the point of decision-making, he manages it somehow and tries for another decision-making to be successful in accomplishing his journey.
Of all the moments during his adventure, his unexpected meeting with Gollum is one of few scenes that I could understand the importance of decision-making. If it had not been for his good sense and a wit while he had a riddle with Gollum, he would have been eaten by gollum. (In fact, the Goddess of Fortune was on his side, because he came across a ring which made him invisible.) It's true that a good luck is needed to survive in cacophonous life. However, nobody except a godlike creature can lead his or her life to the bliss of future without one's effort.
When he found the Arkenstone, he took a consideration whether he must give it to Thorin or keep it himself secretly. The latter one was his decision after all, and this was a great turning point to not only his life but also hundreds of dwarves, humans, and elves' lives. The Arkenstone was later used as an agent for the reconciliation of dwarves and humans. Bilbo's quick wit made peace in his world where the condition had been austere and severe before his affair was made.
While I go through 'The Hobbit', I learned that even one petty decision can determine the direction of my life and the effect will last until I close my day. I, then, hit upon an idea that sufficiently independent mind can let me determine any matter freely and correctly.
There is a saying "There is no crying over split milk.". If he or she misses appropriate time, no more chances will occur to him or her again. So acting when it is right time to do is significant when standing at the turning point in one's life. So does Bilbo. If Bilob hesitated when saving his comrades in arms(dwarves) from a prison, he must have lived there invisibly for a long time alone, maybe forever.
As we can infer from a novel "The Hobbit", decision-makings are very significant. I don't hope to live my life undesirably, so I will try my best to follow Bilbo's footsteps. The indirect experiences earned from this novel are and will be a never-dying light lamp in my life that will lead smoothly to my ultimate aim.
© 2000 yskrichard@hanmail.net