That's great for them. Is there something wrong with trying to be the best person you can be? Is a life of leisure and hedonism something to be celebrated, while a life of striving to achieve is looked down upon?

I think this is part of the reason the US has been so successful and innovative. Hard work and improvement are seen as virtues here. A life of sloth and mediocrity, avoiding work and relying on the government to provide for you was not seen as something good until recently. I hope the essence of America isn't lost forever: industry, innovation, and individualism.