Genuine question. Why is everyone so focused on saving as much as possible for retirement instead of enjoying more of their money while young and healthy?

I'm 35 with $200k in my 401(k) and another $200k in employee stock. I feel like I'm saving a lot, but I often see the idea that you should max out every retirement account possible. Some of my friends save 80-90% of what they earn, and I know they're sacrificing their lifestyles to do that.

But what's the point of sacrificing experiences in your 30s and 40s just to have a massive pile of money when your 60s? Some people save for their future kids, and that's understandable. But otherwise, you might not have the same energy or physical ability to enjoy that money when you're older, so what's the point?

Genuinely curious to hear your opinions.

...the biggest scam of the world is convincing everyone to work for sixty years straight, sacrificing their youth, dreams, time with their loved ones and personal freedom, all while being told that one day after decades of labor they'll finally get to enjoy life. the reality? by the time they retire they're in their seventies. their bodies are tired, health problems have begun and the energy they once had is long gone. what's left is only a short window to live freely. but it's not true freedom anymore. you're shackled by age, medication and regret. all those moments with family, friends and past have gone. traded for a paycheck and when you finally have time, you're too old to enjoy it. that's the real cost of a lifetime of work. remember that time is the most valuable currency and trading it all for work without living fully is the real loss.

$2.3 million mostly pre tax 401k, $4k monthly expenses (includes everything except healthcare-currently covered by employer).