He represented a Mafia that controlled power and did not let power control them, according to German sociologist Henner Hess. To make a good impression, or fare figura, is important: "they enjoy the respect shown them, they enjoy power, but they do not wish to give rise to its discussion. They know very well that behind the veil of modesty, power is felt to be all the more uncanny."Hess, Mafia & Mafiosi, p. 73 Italian journalist Indro Montanelli quoted a typical remark by Don Calò:
