Likutay Moharan - Torah-teaching 162

162. In the days of the Maggid, there was a rich man of lineage.

In the Maggid's days, of blessed memory, a rich, pedigreed man opposed the Maggid's followers. They informed the Maggid, who urged them to draw him near, striving greatly and praying for G-d's help. They succeeded, bringing him to the Maggid, and he became Heaven-fearing and worthy. Yet his wealth declined. The Maggid said these two—Torah and greatness—cannot coexist: “To grow wise, face south; to grow rich, face north” [Bava Batra 25b]. Seeking wisdom means standing south, precluding north's riches, and vice versa. But in utter humility—true nothingness—one stands nowhere, neither north nor south, being absolute nothing. Thus, Torah and greatness can unite, as in Moshe Rabbeinu, peace be upon him, and our holy Rabbi.