Meaning: The quote by James Meade reflects his experience of being mentored by the renowned economist Dennis Robertson while also being part of the intellectual circle around John Maynard Keynes. Meade was an influential economist in his own right, and his words capture the excitement and intellectual stimulation he derived from these experiences.

James Meade was a British economist who made significant contributions to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of international trade and economic policy. His quote reflects the impact that his interactions with Dennis Robertson and Keynes had on his intellectual development.

Dennis Robertson was a prominent economist and a key figure in the development of the Cambridge School of Economics. He was known for his work on monetary economics and was a mentor to many notable economists, including James Meade. Meade's reference to reading essays to Robertson as his supervisor suggests the close mentorship and guidance he received from Robertson during his formative years as an economist.

Simultaneously, Meade mentions enjoying membership of the group around Keynes. This likely refers to the stimulating intellectual environment that surrounded Keynes, who was one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. Keynes's groundbreaking work, particularly his General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, revolutionized economic thought and policy. Being part of the group around Keynes would have exposed Meade to cutting-edge economic thinking and lively intellectual discussions.

The quote conveys the privilege and intellectual richness of Meade's experience during that particular year. It highlights the importance of mentorship and the influence of being part of a vibrant intellectual community on one's intellectual development. Meade's reference to it as an "intellectual treat" suggests that he found immense value in the exchange of ideas and the mentorship he received during this period.

Meade's career as an economist was marked by his contributions to various fields, including trade theory, economic policy, and development economics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1977 for his work on the theory of international trade and international capital movements. His experiences with Robertson and Keynes likely played a formative role in shaping his intellectual interests and approach to economics.

In summary, James Meade's quote reflects the impact of his interactions with Dennis Robertson and the intellectual circle around Keynes on his development as an economist. It speaks to the value of mentorship, the influence of intellectual communities, and the excitement of engaging with groundbreaking economic ideas. Meade's words capture the essence of the intellectual journey that shaped his career and contributions to the field of economics.