I have always been interested in history, because through its course you can deeply understand human nature, in all its aspects and manifestations. I am equally interested in science, because it is the "timeless aristocracy," and obviously, along with philosophy and art, they are the driving forces of human creation. The history of Greece, therefore, says that the Greeks, centuries ago, ventured into the world and thrived through seamanship. 

In recent years, the sea played a significant role in the post-war reconstruction of the country. I knew that Mr. Simos P. Palios represents this long-standing maritime tradition with distinction, as he is probably the only one whose grandfathers were both captains or shipowners. At the same time, I knew from our mutual acquaintances, such as Dr. Stamatis Krimizis – both originating from Vrontados, Chios – about the deep admiration he holds, above all and everything, for science and scientists.

When he suggested that we create a book to talk about seamanship, Greek shipowners and shipowners – with an emphasis on their significant connections that Greece can and should utilize – as well as the great scientists we have, an invaluable human capital in which the country must invest, I accepted with great joy, but also with a kind of curiosity, to be honest. I thought that he and his life could be a very precise magnifying glass that shows and clarifies something broader