The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights humanity's remarkable ability to adjust to new and often challenging circumstances. It emphasizes that people can adapt to difficult environments if they find some form of comfort or benefit amid the struggle. This suggests that resilience is a key trait that enables individuals to navigate hardships and find ways to cope with their situations.

Atwood's observation sheds light on the psychological mechanisms that people employ to maintain hope and stability in adverse conditions. Even when faced with drastic changes or oppressive situations, such as those depicted in the book, humanity's innate adaptability allows individuals to endure and sometimes even thrive through their challenges by focusing on small compensations that bring relief or joy.