Meaning: The quote you've provided is from the mathematician Stephen Kleene, and it references the completion of his doctoral studies. Stephen Kleene was a prominent figure in the field of mathematical logic and theoretical computer science. His work significantly contributed to the development of computability theory and the foundations of computer science.

In the quote, Kleene reflects on the culmination of three years of intense academic pursuit, which culminated in June 1933 when he left Princeton University after submitting his Ph.D. thesis. This period marked a significant milestone in his academic journey and likely represented the culmination of years of dedicated study and research.

Kleene's departure from Princeton University following the submission of his Ph.D. thesis signifies the completion of a crucial phase in his academic and professional development. The completion of a doctoral thesis is a significant achievement for any individual pursuing an advanced degree, particularly in a field as rigorous and intellectually demanding as mathematics.

During Kleene's time at Princeton, he would have been immersed in an environment that fostered intellectual growth and scholarly inquiry. The university's renowned faculty and resources would have provided him with the necessary support to pursue his research and academic endeavors.

The completion of a Ph.D. thesis is often the culmination of years of rigorous academic study, research, and writing. It represents the student's ability to contribute original knowledge to their field of study and demonstrates their capacity for independent, scholarly work. For Kleene, the submission of his Ph.D. thesis would have been a momentous occasion, symbolizing the expertise and knowledge he had acquired in his chosen area of mathematics.

Kleene's departure from Princeton following the submission of his thesis likely marked a transition in his career, as he would have been preparing to move on to the next phase of his professional journey. The completion of his doctoral studies would have opened up new opportunities for him, both within academia and beyond.

Following his departure from Princeton, Kleene went on to establish himself as a leading figure in mathematical logic and theoretical computer science. His contributions to the field, including his work on recursive function theory and the development of regular expressions, have had a lasting impact on the study of computation and formal languages.

Overall, the quote serves as a reflection on a significant period in Kleene's life and academic career. It encapsulates the culmination of three years of dedicated study and research, culminating in the submission of his Ph.D. thesis and his departure from Princeton University. Kleene's subsequent contributions to the field of mathematics and computer science solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in these disciplines, and his quote serves as a testament to the pivotal moment in his academic journey.