YYA, I think we agree more than disagree.
> I used the term ‘frum’ but what I really meant and should have said is ‘ehrlich’.
Yes! Unfortunately, I heard this word once in last 10 years …
> Klug
I think Chofetz Chaim meant that in modern times, one needs to know how to deal with yetzer hara. Just insisting on “frum’ is not enough.
My translation: know law, economics, psychology to build right institutions and navigate thru life.
> Mitteler Rebbe
I presumed it was him but didn’t want to impugn in case it was not. I agree with your interpretation. I am not at the Mitteler Rebbe level, but my hearing also decreases when my better half asks to take the garbage out. There are halochos that one should not take a second job at night to be in full strength for the day job. This situation is different from just sitting learning and missing someone passing by. If the Mitteler Rebbe took the job of watching the baby (Tzemach Tzedek?) seriously (the way mothers do) and learn “when he can”, he would not have gotten in this exalted state. He was endangering the whole Chabad dynasty.