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.