"To spend this particular year reading essays to Dennis Robertson as one's supervisor, and, simultaneously, enjoying membership of the group round Keynes was indeed an intellectual treat"

This quote by James Meade is describing the experience of being a trainee of Dennis Robertson and a member of the group around John Maynard Keynes. Meade is revealing his appreciation for the intellectual reward that this experience offered. He is recommending that the combination of reading essays under the guidance of Dennis Robertson and belonging to the group around Keynes was an unique and rewarding experience. This quote highlights the value of having a mentor and being part of a group of similar people in order to acquire knowledge and develop intellectually. It also acts as a reminder of the value of gaining from those who have gone before us and the value of belonging to a neighborhood of people who share our interests.