"The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!"

In Robert Walpole's quote, there is a profound commentary on the idea of patriotism and its viewed destruction throughout his time. Walpole, who was the very first de facto Prime Minister of Great Britain, reveals a crucial view of how the term "patriotism" has been misused and devalued. The metaphor of patriots "emerging like mushrooms" recommends the unexpected and prolific emergence of self-proclaimed patriots, similar to how mushrooms can rapidly appear under appropriate conditions. This indicates a sense of insincerity and superficiality, with individuals stating themselves patriots without a real understanding or commitment to the real essence of the term.

By stating that the concept of real patriotism is lost, Walpole recommends that the core values and perfects that make up genuine patriotism have actually been overshadowed by self-serving intentions. He accuses those who declare to be patriots of prostituting the term, implying they have undervalued it by utilizing it for self-centered or destructive purposes rather than for the good of the country. This can be seen as a review of individuals who use patriotism as a guise to promote individual or political programs, instead of truly working towards the welfare and unity of the nation.

Walpole's observation could be reflective of a time when political factions and personal aspirations were significantly at play, muddying the waters of what it suggested to be really dedicated to one's country. It highlights the stress between public professions of patriotism and the typically less noticeable realities of political maneuvering and self-interest.

In a wider sense, Walpole's words prompt a reflection on the nature of patriotism throughout history and its susceptibility to manipulation. It challenges individuals and societies to determine authentic patriotic intent from superficial screens, prompting a go back to the genuine concepts that need to preferably underpin true patriotism: stability, sacrifice, and a commitment to the higher good beyond individual gain.