The quote from Alexander McCall Smith's "The Novel Habits of Happiness" suggests that patriotism is deeply rooted in personal experiences and fond memories. Instead of viewing patriotism solely as loyalty to a nation, the author invites us to consider it as an emotional bond to the simplest aspects of our upbringing, such as the food we enjoyed during childhood. This perspective emphasizes that love for one's country can be tied to cherished memories and intimate familial traditions.

By linking patriotism with the sensory pleasure of childhood meals, McCall Smith highlights how individual experiences shape our identities and attachments. It implies that our love for a nation is not just political or ideological but also personal, connecting us to the comforts and familiarity of home. This idea encourages a more profound understanding of what it means to feel patriotic, suggesting that it is about remembering and valuing our roots and the small joys that contribute to our sense of belonging.