He studied at the Law School and then at the School of Economics and Political Sciences in Paris, where he was awarded a PhD. He completed his studies in England. In 1902 he became a professor and later professor of political economy and demosology at the University of Athens. He was made a corresponding member of the French Academy, the Royal Society of England and the New York Academy of Political Science. Founding member of the Academy of Athens (1926).

During the Balkan wars he was appointed vice-president of Greece at the Balkan Conferences and the League of Nations (1921, 1923 and 1929). He was an adviser to Eleftherios Venizelos but did not enter politics despite suggestions that he should take over the ministries of finance and foreign affairs. Outside of economics he had a varied education and particular culture. He was a student of literature and the theatre. He was a theatrical cretin and analyst. In many articles he analyzed the work of Roidis , Vikelas, Mavilis, Polylas etc. He was the first Greek to make the theatre of Modern Greece known abroad. He wrote numerous historical, economic works and studies. In 1934 his students organized an honorary event for his retirement from the University. A year later the world community bid him farewell with hymns and speeches,