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6. Wisdom. Wisdom is Tom's ultimate goal, even if he does not initially realize it. Once he attains wisdom, he reaches the end of his journey and the path is open towards Sophia. In particular, his wisdom lies in accepting that he, not Fortune, determines his path. Tom’s adventures allow him to amass wisdom. His relationship with Molly teaches him that women may not be constant. His devotion to Black George, and the theft of his bank notes by the same, show him that the desire to rise from poverty can be stronger than friendship. Blifil’s cruel attempts to destroy his half brother indicate that greed can be stronger than family loyalty. There are also positive lessons that facilitate Tom’s ultimate wisdom. Simple kindnesses, such as he shows to the beggar and the highwayman, can bring rich rewards. Love can remain constant despite adversity; he wins his Sophia in the end. The chapters where the Man of the Hill tells his story help Tom acquire wisdom, even though he only hears of another's experience. From the Man of the Hill, Tom learns the profitless path of gambling, and various truths offered by foreign travel. Tom’s experiences in London impart further wisdom. He learns of the predatory nature of ladies such as Lady Bellaston. Nightingale teaches Tom how to navigate polite society, and he is rescued from penury by the intervention of friends he had loyally supported. Perhaps Tom’s greatest lesson is to respect himself and those around him. The end of the novel reveals the root of Tom and Sophia’s successful and enduring union: “They preserve the purest and tenderest affection for each other, an affection daily increased and confirmed by mutual endearments, and mutual esteem” (874). Fielding certainly wants us to remember, though, that even the wisest of men is prone to lapses in wisdom. Allworthy is revered for his kindness and wisdom, and yet, “no man is wise at all hours" (131). Indeed, through his terrible mistake in trusting Blifil over Tom, many people experienced much heartbreak in the story.