Lear, however, is fooled by Goneril and Regan into thinking that they love him, while Cordelia does not. Kent, who has sufficient insight, is able to see through the dialogue and knows that Cordelia is the only daughter that truly loves Lear and meant every word that she said. Kent tries to convince Lear of this, saying "Answer my life my judgment, thy youngest daughter does not love thee least" (I.i.153-154). .
Lear, however, only sees what is on the surface, and cannot understand the deeper intentions of the daughters" speeches. Due to his narrow mindedness and clouded vision, Lear disowns his daughter Cordelia, by saying, " we have no such daughter, nor shall ever see that face of hers again" (I.i.264-266). Lear cannot see far enough into the future to understand the consequences of this action. Ironically, he later discovers that Cordelia is the only daughter he wants to see, asking her to "forget and forgive" (IV.vii.85). By this time, he has finally started to gain some direction, and his vision is cleared, but it is too late for his life to be saved. His lack of precognition had condemned him from the beginning of this tragedy.
When Lear is outraged by Cordelia, Kent tries to reason with Lear, who is too stubborn to remain open-minded. Lear responds to Kent's opposition with, "Out of my sight!" to which Kent responds, "See better, Lear, and let me still remain" (I.i. 159-160). Here, Lear is saying he never wants to see Kent again, but he could never truly see him for who he was. Kent was only trying to do what was best for Lear, but Lear could not see that. Kent's vision is not clouded, as is Lear's, and Kent knows that he can remain near Lear as long as he is in disguise. Later, Lear's vision is so superficial that the physical garments and simple disguise that Kent wears easily dupes Lear. Lear cannot see that the man who stands beside him and is now he servant is really Kent. He only learns of Kent's noble and honest character just prior to his death, when his vision is cleared.