I disagree on the point about life after death. I don't think that having faith that there's something after necessarily leads to valuing your time less now. Especially when you don't know what's in store for you next - a good existence or a bad one. With that kind of uncertainty, I'd certainly value the time I have now - at least I know what it's like now.
There are also two ways of thinking about what's "smart". For the faithful, the smart thing to do is racking up merit (or studying or whatever) for your future rebirth or heaven etc.
For the materialistic people, the smart thing to do is to enjoy the time you have right now by doing what makes you feel good.
Both groups of people think the other is being silly, foolish or something else.
For the faithful, racking up merit, studying etc are indeed noble pursuits no matter what.
But I was more speaking about all the time spent in churches, praying etc in the mislead hope of having eternal life.
There are also two ways of thinking about what's "smart". For the faithful, the smart thing to do is racking up merit (or studying or whatever) for your future rebirth or heaven etc.
For the materialistic people, the smart thing to do is to enjoy the time you have right now by doing what makes you feel good.
Both groups of people think the other is being silly, foolish or something else.