Containing vast areas of land and geographical terrain, Asia is today known to be the largest continent housing 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 were born, from which prosperous societies emerged as well as philosophies that still shape the world today. Examining the writings of the Bhagavad-Gita and Hsün Tzu, two writings from the ancient years of these civilizations, gives people today insight into the lives, belief systems, and societal makeup of each community . With these writings in hand, the philosophies of each society seem increasingly different, modified by their history, but still serve the same purpose: to bring meaning and order to the daily lives of its inhabitants. Differing in their focus, motivation for action, and end goals, these philosophies speak to the individual history of a society but the universal need to answer the questions of “why.” By studying these elements, the philosophies and stories of two founding companies become clear, providing insight into their contributions to the world today. All philosophies have a goal that is fundamental to their belief system. In ancient Indian philosophy, the main aim of action is to return one's atman or soul to Brahman or the universal soul. The process of reuniting with the universal soul is a complex progression of performing the right duty or dharma to produce karma that propels a soul through reincarnation into moksha which is unification with Brahman, the universal soul. Indian philosophy therefore focuses on the future. All... middle of article......understanding these philosophies is therefore invaluable because it provides insight into what was once believed or what we still believe today. Beyond this, it pays particular attention to questions at the heart of the human condition, questions about the past, purpose and future; considerations that have tormented humanity from the very 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.