In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the narrator expresses how important sanity is to her, comparable to a treasure people used to collect for financial security. This perspective highlights the precariousness of mental health in a dystopian society, where external pressures can threaten one's inner peace.

The quote underscores the idea that maintaining one's sanity is not just a passive state but requires active effort, much like saving money. The character's emphasis on this 'hoarding' reflects the struggles individuals face when they must cope with oppressive conditions, reminding readers of the fragility of mental stability in challenging environments.