What's more, if people who were lived a hard life were put into a position of power, would they change or remain more empathetic to the less fortunate?

One of the most memorable moments I've had living in china is listening to this one local fellow complain on and on and on about the notion of excessive corruption in the government. Yet one time he stopped and snickered, "If I was in their position, I would do the same thing."

Expats who express sympathy to the suffering of their host countries need to be aware of who they are sharing good will with, lest it go to waste.