Love, Happiness, and Creativity: An Essay

King Lear, written by William Shakespeare around 1604-1606, is a tragedy that follows the story of King Lear, who decides to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. The division is based on the eloquence of their declarations of love for him. However, Lear's youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him and is disinherited. The play unfolds with Lear's descent into madness, the betrayal by his elder daughters, and the subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his sons. Ultimately, the play ends in tragedy with the deaths of Lear, Cordelia, and several other main characters, highlighting themes of deception, power, and the consequences of poor judgment.

Lewis Hyde’s 'The Gift' explores the nature of creativity and art through the lens of gift economies, contrasting them with market economies. He argues that true art thrives when it is created and shared as a gift, fostering community and connection rather than being driven solely by commercial interests. Hyde examines the role of the artist as a conduit, channeling inspiration and offering their work as a gift to society. The book delves into the transformative power of creativity and the importance of maintaining a balance between artistic expression and economic considerations.