Isn't this the sentiment and euphemism trotted out when referring to the "immigrant work ethic" across most cultures and countries?
In terms of "sickening" -- as a child it was drilled into my head that my parents and other (usually similarly immigrant) families worked incredibly hard so that they could provide a better life for their children, with the implicit expectation that I might do the same for my own some day.
Yes, it was drilled into your head. It was the carrot on the stick that keeps people moving.
With a ballooning national debt, worsening social blights, and an objectively bleaker economic outlook, I think it's finally time to admit that the carrot was never there--for the majority of us, and perhaps all of us if the nukes start flying.
It's "sickening" because it's a lie used to keep people thinking about a hopeful future that probably won't exist. If we didn't have this lie hanging over our heads, if we weren't chasing imaginary future rewards, we would demand equitable conditions now instead of continuing to chase after illusions.
"The science of government it is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take the place of, indeed exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain." — John Adams, May 1780
Blind optimism is bound to get us into trouble. I'd prefer some facts that support the thesis that a strong work ethic always leads to a brighter future.
The Nazi's worked hard. The communists in Russia worked really hard. Things didn't turn out so well for them.
Direction is more important than force. I'd bet on a Volkswagen diven by a professional over a race car driven by a senile old lady.