My point wasn't to take a position on this but rather to point out that this is a deep-rooted cultural belief tied with religious values, which is the hardest k

My point wasn't to take a position on this but rather to point out that this is a deep-rooted cultural belief tied with religious values, which is the hardest kind of thing for a society to get over. It definitely has pull beyond the religious crowd, but that's how these kinds of things propogate, from sermons to unstated cultural assumptions. Personally, I would value smart and effective work over hard work any day. If we get to the point where the most effective work is also fun and enjoyable rather than a burden, we'll be better off for it.