I first read The Intellectual Life back in 2011. I was so enlivened that I immediately read it a second time. I have not read it since then but it's influence remained. The things that I learned have formed my approach to my vocation more than any other. I decided to reread it this year and was not disappointed. For anyone who feels called to academia, to the life of the mind, I recommend this work. James V. Schall, who writes the introduction says, "I would put The Intellectual Life on the desk of every serious student, and most of the unserious ones" (xiii). Sertillanges' approach subsumes all of life under one's vocation. The Intellectual must be careful about his sleep, his diet, his friends, his exercise, his recreation, his reading, his prayers, and so on. All things are made to serve Truth. If you think that you are called to the life of an intellectual, say your prayers. Once that is done, read this book. There is not a better guide than Sertillanges.