"Two years later, I went to the University of Minnesota from which I was on leave for several years during the war as a member of Statistical Research Group at Columbia University"

In this reflection from George Stigler, a popular American economic expert, he supplies insight into a significant period of his academic and expert journey. The quote highlights a few crucial elements of his career course and the historical context that affected it.

Initially, Stigler discusses his association with the University of Minnesota, indicating that this organization was an essential part of his instructional experience. By stating, "Two years later", he provides us a sense of development, recommending that this transfer to Minnesota was a vital action following an earlier stage of his life or profession. The University of Minnesota most likely played a formative role in shaping his intellectual pursuits and abilities that he would later use in his expert life.

Nevertheless, the phrase "from which I was on leave for a number of years throughout the war", determines a significant disruption or diversion in his academic journey due to external scenarios-- specifically, World War II. During this time, lots of people' careers and studies were modified as they contributed to war efforts in numerous capabilities. Stigler's participation as a member of the Statistical Research Group at Columbia University positions him among a select group of academics and experts who used their competence to real-world issues presented by the wartime environment.

The Statistical Research Group (SRG) was a highly well-regarded think tank throughout World War II, bringing together statisticians and mathematicians to deal with military and logistical problems. Stigler's association with the SRG recommends that he was participated in sophisticated analytical work, most likely focusing on issues that required ingenious analytical services-- skills that remained in high need during the war.

In general, the quote highlights not only Stigler's individual profession trajectory but likewise reflects a wider historic story where academic community and wartime needs intersected. His experiences in this age would have both enriched his expert competence and influenced his future contributions to economics.