The Way of the Poet

The poet and scholar Ezra Pound gives inspiration to overcome seeming defeat. 1. Essential assumption: “I am the creative source”. Doubt: Do I really believe this?2. Negative state surruptitiously engenders doubt, indecision, worry.3. Poet’s vision: I know who I am . Inspiration derived from example of Ezra Pound.4. Pound: background, history.5. His adopted mission to look into political/economic roots of war.6. His major work “Cantos”, and parallel example of modern art: direct experience.7. How can we take this artistic expression as instruction in the conduct of life?8. Do not be mesmerized by the narratives of popular culture and institutions.9. Is it nonsense? There is a consistent ethical position in the example of Ezra Pound.10. Neville’s similar message: Put aside all other processes; live by intent and imagination.11. Did Pound live by this ethos? Displayed unwavering presence of mind and courage.12. This is the example we need: “’inexhaustible resources of character” to meet adversity.RESOURCESMullins, Eustace (1961) This Difficult Individual, Ezra Pound