Early modern philosophy is defined through the skeptical influence and is a definitive element in Renaissance thought. Thinkers such as Hume, Montaigne, and Descartes where influenced by Ancient Greek skepticism. This gave birth to the philosophical outlook that could support western science. The first Ancient Greek skeptic was Pyrrho of Elis. It was this work and the influence of the Academic skepticism that brought on early modern philosophy. Pyrrho was influenced by Buddhist thought in his travels with Alexander the Great.