We may look at King Lear and see a bunch of messed up people but those people are some of the most realistic characters Shakespeare ever created. The best piece of advice to be gleaned from the play is to simply not allow any amount of wealth to blind one from truth. This is difficult because wealth attracts all kinds of people who feign affection. However, Lear illustrates that we can see beyond money and, if we try hard, we can do so and not have to lose our fortunes. People reveal who they actually are over time. The smartest thing anyone can do is pay attention and remember things. King Lear and Gloucester...

We should never believe we know everything or even enough. An open mind and a bit of skepticism goes a long way when it comes to dealing with other people -- regardless or not if those people are family.
Works Cited

Bradley A.C. "Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on 'Hamlet,' 'Othello,' 'King Lear,'

'Macbeth.'" 1904. Site Accessed July 29, 2010.. http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com

Shakespare, William. King Lear. The Complete Works. New York: Barnes and Noble Books.

1994. Print.