Those who quote Nefesh HaChaim in support of their position that Torah learning has intrinsic value in the sense that you are thereby accomplishing and do not need to do for or teach others, are very much mistaken.
R’ Itzele explicitly says that his father admonished him for not doing enough for the Klal. As we all understand that he was learning, clearly R’ Chaim meant that he needs to do for others in a way BESIDES for learning. [B’sheim umro – not my proof, heard from a prominent Mashgiach.]
We find this idea clearly in many of the Gedolei Mussar. [Not to say that Torah learning doesn’t positively affect the world, as famous from R’ Elchonan’s pshat in the braisa of Eilu Dvarim – simply that that’s not enough.]