The article revolves around a conversation with Dimitris Dimitrakos, a retired professor of political philosophy at the University of Athens, where he recounts his educational journey and the notable intellectual figures he encountered. During his studies, he was influenced by Karl Popper and became a member of the Papanaastasiou Group, which is indicative of his engagement with significant political thought. His experiences during the dictatorship in Greece played a pivotal role in radicalizing his views, particularly as he began to critically engage with Antonio Gramsci's ideas, leading him to question traditional leftist ideological divisions.

Dimitrakos critically reflects on the dialectical approach, arguing that it lacks scientific basis and that the conventional political spectrum of left and right is often oversimplified. He indicates that historical figures such as Marx and Engels themselves did not strictly adhere to such distinctions. The article also highlights his interactions with influential political leaders like Andreas Papandreou, Costas Simitis, and Konstantinos Mitsotakis, each of whom left a distinct impression on him, ranging from charisma to logical rigor.

The conversation took place on February 12, 2026, at the Odeon of Athens, as part of a new series of educational events exploring the intersections of philosophy and political thought, showcasing the relevance of these discussions to contemporary Greek society. Dimitrakos's reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of critical thought in political discourse, especially in times of political upheaval.