In the book "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon, the characters reflect on their long history of enduring hardship in a land where food is scarce, primarily surviving on oats. This environment has led them to adapt their attitudes toward their limited diet, turning their necessity into a form of virtue. They embrace their situation, claiming to enjoy the simple fare they have learned to make a staple.

This perspective highlights the resilience of the people and their ability to find contentment even in difficult circumstances. By transforming a lack of resources into a positive viewpoint, they showcase the human capacity to endure and adapt, suggesting that one's circumstances can shape their values and preferences over time.