Influenced by the natural philosophy of the Chinese  Taoist sage Chuangzi, Basho's work contemplated the rhythms and laws of  nature. Later he developed his own poetic principle by drawing on the  concept of wabi-sabi, a kind of spare, lonely beauty. When he reached  his 40s, Basho abandoned his career in favour of travelling throughout  Japan. He published evocative accounts of his travels, but his  collection The Narrow Road to the Deep North,  detailing his journey  throughout Tohoku in 1689, is the most famous.