This quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights the resilience of humans when faced with difficult circumstances. It suggests that people can adapt to almost any situation if they receive certain benefits or comforts, no matter how small. This reveals a complex aspect of human nature where the need for adaptability often overshadows the desire for freedom or ideal conditions.

The idea emphasizes the importance of compensations in maintaining a sense of normalcy, even in oppressive environments. Atwood’s work often explores themes of power, control, and the lengths individuals will go to maintain a semblance of stability in their lives, underlining how far people will compromise their values for security or comfort.