[...] I expect from all the teaching staff undivided assistance. I want to tell you about a trait of my character, which I am not of an age to alter. When a decision is to be taken I discuss with everyone and freely allow full discussion and personal opposition.

But when I take a decision, and in many cases I may decide against you, that decision will be definite and irreversible and nothing will be able to make me surrender my position. It goes without saying that no one will stop me putting it into effect.

Those who are of the opposite view will have to succumb to and accept my opinion. I accept dialogue in advance, but if the decision becomes manifest through a command, act or law, then no opposition is permitted. And I beg you to pay close attention to this matter. By opposition I do not mean only that which nobody can demonstrate, that is from the typical point of view, but also internal, that is the lack of hierarchy and submission of spirit.

For this I beg you, being acquainted with my character and this my trait as concerning this matter, all of you conform, as you will naturallly do. I don't wish to turn against anyone who won't comply absolutely with this trait of my character, as this would put me in a difficult position. I do not permit anyone - and I beg you communicate this to all your inferiors - any simmering opposition to my will to be made manifest in any way.

(Dimaras Alexis, I mettarrythmisi pou den egine, Athens, Nea Elliniki Vivliothiki, 1974, pp. 189-190)