Meaning: The quote by Ezra Pound, “Any general statement is like a check drawn on a bank. Its value depends on what is there to meet it,” is a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of general statements and their inherent value. Pound, an influential and controversial American poet and critic, was known for his modernist approach to poetry and his keen insights into language and communication.

In this quote, Pound employs a metaphor comparing a general statement to a check drawn on a bank. A check is a financial instrument that represents a promise of payment from the issuer's bank account to the recipient. Similarly, a general statement is a broad, non-specific assertion that is often used to make a point or convey a concept. By drawing this parallel, Pound suggests that the value of a general statement is contingent upon the substance or evidence that supports it, just as the value of a check depends on the funds available in the issuer's account.

This comparison prompts us to consider the importance of substantiating general statements with evidence, reasoning, or specific examples. Just as a check without sufficient funds will be deemed worthless, a general statement without supporting evidence or context may lack credibility or persuasive power. Pound's quote serves as a reminder that the strength and validity of any assertion depend on the substance and foundation upon which it is based.

Moreover, Pound's insight can be applied to various aspects of human communication and discourse. In the realm of public discourse, politics, and media, general statements are frequently used to convey opinions, arguments, or ideologies. However, without substantiation or factual support, these statements may lack credibility and fail to persuade or inform effectively.

In the academic and intellectual sphere, Pound's quote underscores the importance of critical thinking and rigorous analysis. It encourages individuals to question and evaluate general statements, to seek out evidence and context, and to consider the underlying basis for such assertions. In scholarly research and discourse, the value of any general statement is indeed determined by the strength of the evidence, the cogency of the argument, and the validity of the supporting information.

Furthermore, in everyday communication, Pound's quote reminds us to approach general statements with a degree of skepticism and critical inquiry. It prompts us to ask for clarification, evidence, and context when encountering broad assertions, and to refrain from accepting them at face value. By doing so, we can engage in more meaningful and informed discussions, avoiding the pitfalls of unsubstantiated or misleading generalizations.

In conclusion, Ezra Pound's quote on general statements as checks drawn on a bank offers a compelling analogy that encourages critical thinking, scrutiny, and intellectual rigor. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of substantiating assertions with evidence and context, and it prompts us to approach general statements with a discerning mindset. Whether in the realms of public discourse, academic inquiry, or everyday communication, Pound's insight resonates as a timeless reminder of the value of critical thinking and the need for substantiated, evidence-based communication.