I'm struggling with this because there are examples of both - those with and without time to develop character.

Epictetus, born into slavery, but was able to overcome hardships and develop a virtuous character. Viktor Frankl is another example.

Then, there are others who had their needs met and, as alluded to earlier with Maslow's Hierarchy, were able to reach the level of thought needed - at the actualization and transcendence (new addition) levels.