The statement from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" reflects the idea that new systems or ideologies often borrow elements from existing ones. This suggests that transformations in societal structures are rarely entirely new but instead evolve by integrating aspects of their predecessors. This blending of old and new can dilute the originality of a new system while also providing a framework that helps people adapt to changes.

Moreover, this historical insight underscores the importance of recognizing the roots of current ideologies and practices. By acknowledging the influences of past systems, we can better understand the challenges and limitations faced by new movements. This process of adaptation reveals the complexities of societal progress and change, demonstrating that evolution often comes with continuity, rather than a complete break from the past.