Panache

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 …

…instead of ashamed, because they had finally become equal to the white man that realized their similarity, rather than their disparity. “Panache,” by W.P. Kinsella is a beautiful example of one man’s wisdom and courage overcoming the elements of racial oppression to better his own status, and the status of the Native American race. His effort and wisdom made a dfference, if only among 100 men working on a small mine in Alberta, Canada.