According to the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the concept of patriotism can be understood as a form of "passive nihilism." Passive nihilism refers to the belief that the individual's own values and beliefs are not important, and that the only thing that matters is the well-being of the group or community. In this sense, patriotism can be seen as a form of self-denial, in which the individual sacrifices their own needs and desires in order to serve the greater good of their country and its people.

From a Nietzschean perspective, the idea of patriotism as a form of passive nihilism can be seen as problematic, as it involves the individual renouncing their own agency and autonomy in favour of the values and goals of the group. This can be seen as a form of "slave morality," in which the individual subordinates their own desires and needs to those of the group, rather than striving to assert their own individuality and agency.

However, Nietzsche also believed that it was possible to cultivate a more "active nihilism," in which the individual asserts their own values and beliefs, while still being committed to the well-being of the community. In this sense, patriotism could be seen as a positive force, as long as it is not used to suppress the individuality and autonomy of the individual. Instead, it could be used to inspire people to work together towards common goals, while still maintaining their own sense of self and individuality.