Du Bois is explaining a movement of education. The ideal of ‘book-learning’ and fulfilling the curiosity and longing of knowledge especially because this was the time of freedom and change beyond compulsory ignorance. Du Bois is talking about a new era of education for the now free men and taking a place in society as a free man.
Navigating the way to Canaan through education is the straightest path. Placing their livelihood in the hands of man and waiting