It applies EVERYWHERE. The midrash says that Torah is compared to water. Just like water sustains all life, so too Torah. And just like water flows from a high point to a low point, Torah only sticks to one who is humble.
Torah is the most important thing. but making DEMANDS spoils it. The kollel yungeleit who DON’T demand a lot will become the next crop of gedolim and manhigei hador.