Entitlements and Compassion

"This is the problem with entitlements--they're really only entitlements when they're what other people want. When it's something you want, it's the hallmark of a civilized society, the foundation of a great people." Jon Stuart (of Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly's remarks of Maternity Leave).

And while it was pretty funny, I know that I do the same thing... I roast something and then when it happens to me or someone close to me, my mind is changed, my horizon expanded, my perspective widened, even for just a moment, even on just this topic.

Which begs the question, does suffering lead to tolerance and compassion?