Containing vast amounts of land and geographic terrain, Asia is known today to be the largest continent hosting a significant portion of the world's population. Going back to the beginning of civilization, Asia played an even more vital role in the development of the world. Along the Indus River in India and the Yellow River in China, two important civilizations originated, producing thriving societies and philosophies that still shape the world today. Looking at the writings of the Bhagavad-Gita and Hsün Tzu, two writings dating back to the ancient years of those civilizations, offers people today a glimpse into the lives, belief systems, and social composition of each community. With these writings in hand, the philosophies held by each society seem increasingly different, altered by their histories, but continue to serve the same purpose: giving meaning and order to the daily lives of its people. Different in focus, motivation for action, and ultimate goals, these philosophies speak to a society's individual history but to the universal need to answer the “why” questions. By studying these elements, the philosophies and histories of two key societies become clear allowing you to better understand their contributions to today's world. All philosophies have a focus that proves fundamental to their belief system. In ancient Indian philosophy the focus of action is to cause one's atman or soul to return to Brahman or the universal soul. The process of reuniting with the universal soul is an intricate progression of completing right duty or dharma to produce karma that propels a soul through reincarnation towards moksha which is unification with Brahman, the universal soul. The focus of Indian philosophy is therefore in the future. The whole… middle of the paper… the ability to understand these philosophies is therefore invaluable as it provides insight into what was once or still believed today. Beyond that, pay attention to questions at the heart of the human condition, questions about the past, purpose, and future; considerations that have plagued humanity since the beginning. Works Cited Barbara Stoler Miller, trans., The Bhagavad-Gita (New York: Bantam Dell, 2004), 35-36. Burton Watson, trans., Hsün Tzu: Basic Writings (New York: Columbia University Press, 1996), 79. Barbara Stoler Miller, trans., The Bhagavad-Gita (New York: Bantam Dell, 2004), 26-28, 33 -34.Ibid., 36, 110.Burton Watson, trans. ., Hsün Tzu: Basic Writings (New York: Columbia University Press, 1996), 157.Ibid., 163-171.Ibid., 167.Barbara Stoler Miller, trans., The Bhagavad-Gita (New York: Bantam Dell, 2004), 141-145.