Panache essays

Panache essays Bertrand Russell defines wisdom as the awareness of the consequences of application of knowledge while taking into account the ultimate ends of human life. Panache, by W.P. Kinsella displays both the presence of knowledge and wisdom within a small mining camp in Jasper, Alberta. Particularly speaking, while knowledge resides all about the mine, wisdom occurs in a seemingly less likely form. Silas, Frank, and Tom Pony are all Native Americans hired by Cardinal Coal Mines. On their first day of work, the Indian recruits are jeered and given pointless, out of the way jobs. The white mens assumption about the three new guys is that they dont know anything; they lack the knowledge necessary to operate mine equipment such as trucks. Silas describes the mine as reminiscent of Hell, which is an interesting observation because it hints at the ends of life, and therefore we realize that Silas is aware of this and is cautious not to upset the white men who run their lives at the moment. One example of Silass wisdom not to upset the hand that feeds is when he kicks Frank for making fun of the husband of the woman (Gran) that boards and feeds them. Gran also displays wisdom, telling the three men what they need to hear to stay motivated and not give up on the job. She tells Silas, Frank and Tom that the white men are merely not used to them yet, and that they just seem a little st range. It is obvious that Gran is supportive of the well being and it may be implied that she is instrumental in keeping the Mens confidence level up. Finally, Tom Pony shows wisdom in a courageous sacrifice as he prevents a white bullys dump truck from keeling over the edge of a cliff, after the man had tried to previously run Tom over. Tom knew the truck was going, so he lodged his foot behind the wheel and held it long enough to get Gunderson out. He then fell off the cliff with the truck when he c...