Chuang Tzu considered, along with Lao Tzu, one of the great figures of early Taoist thought used parables and anecdotes, allegory, and paradox to illustrate that real happiness and freedom are found only in understanding the Tao or Way of nature, and dwelling in its unity. Thomas Mertons collection of poetic renderings taken from the Chinese classic that bears Chuang Tzus name conveys its spirit in a way no other translation has and was Mertons personal favourite among his more than fifty books.