http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_paine

Question

Try Thomas Paine's Common Sense.

=)

I have the same assignment as Carli!! I need a "writing that changed the world," only it HAS to be an excerpt from a book....help me!!!

You might look at the Bible - perhaps the Ten Commandments or the New Testament about the death of Jesus.

You might look at Hitler's Mein Kampf about his plans for the Jews.

You might look at the wording of the Treaty of Versailles that exacted war reparations and harsh treatment for Germany after WW I.

You might look at the U.S. Constitution -- "We hold these truths to be self evident -- that all men are created equal."

Correction -- the Declaration of Independence states "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."