A non-chassid asked the Alter Rebbe: our Sages say one should divide his time in thirds between the study of Mikra, Mishna, and Gemara. You say Chassidus is in the category of Mikra. Why, then, do chassidim spend more than a third of their time studying Chassidus?
‑How much money do you invest in business?" the Alter Rebbe asked. The man replied that practically all his assets were invested in the business. "But don’t our Sages say one should invest a third of his assets in business, a third in real estate, and a third he should keep in cash?!" the Alter Rebbe challenged.
"Rebbe, nowadays, even if you invest everything, you're lucky to break even."
"Aha!" said the Alter Rebbe, "The same is true for the study of Chassidus. In earlier times, people didn’t have to study so much to acquire a Fear of Heaven. Today, even if one were to study Chassidus all day, would that it be that he should break even!"