Reb Nossan was greatly distressed by the lack of learning Torah in his generation. There were Torah scholars who did not know the mystical yichudim (unifications) but were able to perform miracles because of their greatness in limud (learning) Torah in earlier generations. There is a multitude of seforim printed today on a vast variety of subjects to dispel spiritual darkness. Reb Nosson had a very exacting program of learning for "working men"- 18 perakim of mishayos daily, davening from the heart, saying tehillim and helping other Jews- all with simcha (joy). Baal haTanya says that the ikkar (main spiritual practice) is through "down to earth" mitzvas like giving tzedkah (charity).