<P> Although Cynicism concentrated solely on ethics, Cynic philosophy had a major impact on the Hellenistic world, ultimately becoming an important influence for Stoicism . The Stoic Apollodorus writing in the 2nd century BC stated that "Cynicism is the short path to virtue ." Pillars of their philosophy were Adiaphora, Parrhesia and Anaideia . </P> <P> The classical Greek and Roman Cynics regarded virtue as the only necessity for happiness, and saw virtue as entirely sufficient for attaining it . Classical Cynics followed this philosophy to the extent of neglecting everything not furthering their perfection of virtue and attainment of happiness, thus, the title of Cynic, derived from the Greek word κύων (meaning "dog") because they allegedly neglected society, hygiene, family, money, etc., in a manner reminiscent of dogs . They sought to free themselves from conventions; become self - sufficient; and live only in accordance with nature . They rejected any conventional notions of happiness involving money, power, and fame, to lead entirely virtuous, and thus happy, lives . </P> <P> The ancient Cynics rejected conventional social values, and would criticise the types of behaviours, such as greed, which they viewed as causing suffering . Emphasis on this aspect of their teachings led, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, to the modern understanding of cynicism as "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others ." This modern definition of cynicism is in marked contrast to the ancient philosophy, which emphasized "virtue and moral freedom in liberation from desire ." </P> <P> Various philosophers, such as the Pythagoreans, had advocated simple living in the centuries preceding the Cynics . In the early 6th century BC, Anacharsis, a Scythian sage, had combined plain living together with criticisms of Greek customs in a manner which would become standard among the Cynics . Perhaps of importance were tales of Indian philosophers, known to later Greeks as the gymnosophists, who had adopted a strict asceticism together with a disrespect for established laws and customs . By the 5th century BC, the sophists had begun a process of questioning many aspects of Greek society such as religion, law and ethics . However, the most immediate influence for the Cynic school was Socrates . Although he was not an ascetic, he did profess a love of virtue and an indifference to wealth, together with a disdain for general opinion . These aspects of Socrates' thought, which formed only a minor part of Plato's philosophy, became the central inspiration for another of Socrates' pupils, Antisthenes . </P>

Who held that happiness is promoted primarily by possessions of power and riches