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They are not that different. The "exit plan" for the American dream is retirement and trying to save a lot of money for retirement is perfectly normal. It's very sound, conventional, boring financial advice to save and invest for retirement.

The "get rich quick" folks are doing basically the same thing but faster and sometimes with less sense. But hopefully with only a small portion of their savings.

There is room for many versions of the American dream, America being a big place and all. America has a rich history of both hard-working middle class aspiration and con-artistry and get rich quick schemes. They are both pretty resounding cultural themes here.

Unfortunately it's not an idiotic statement. Look at all the people playing the lottery and buying crypto. It does appear to be the true american dream.