Final answer:
Du Bois distinguishes between men and money makers by implying that the value of a person's work is not only defined by their financial success but also by their contributions to society. He extends the definition of a business person to include all those who labor, challenging the societal valuation based solely on economic status. This reflects broader themes of social justice and the worth of various roles in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction Du Bois makes between men and money makers could be interpreted as a differentiation between those who seek fulfillment, identity, and contribution beyond the mere accumulation of wealth, and those whose primary aim is financial gain. Broadening the definition of a business person, Du Bois emphasizes that every individual who labors and contributes to society, regardless of the scale or recognition of their work, should be considered as such. This includes the farmer, the small-town attorney, and the local merchant just as much as the high-powered executive or Wall Street trader. By doing so, he challenges the idea that the value and identity of an individual are solely dependent on their financial success or business dealings in the conventional sense.
Du Bois's perspective aligns with broader themes of social justice and equality, advocating for recognition of the value in all forms of productive work. It also touches on the tensions between capitalism and socialism, suggesting that an individual's contribution to society cannot be measured by their economic output alone. The distinction also raises questions about class, appearance, and lifestyle as a reflection of one's profession or societal worth; and highlights the significance of understanding one's role within the larger context of a biosensitive society and its priorities.