Prodicus

Prodicus heralded from the Aegean Island of Ceos and was supposedly a rather pessimistic fellow. He held, for example, that such are the evils of this life that death is a desirable alternative. He is most famous for his contributions to the philosophy of religion, arguing that at the most primitive stage of development people worship what is useful for immediate survival (sun, rain, rivers, etc.) and, at a later stage, the inventors of various arts (agriculture, the forge, etc.). Needless to say these unorthodox views got him into trouble in Athens with the traditionally pious. Despite this he was one of the more popular Sophists and was able to demand large fees for his services. Socrates, apparently, was on friendly terms with him and even sent him some students though this may have been no compliment considering they were only the dull-witted ones!