The arts and in particular literature, have been extremely influential in many aspects of society throughout history, and continue to be today. It is difficult to pinpoint specific texts as to some to degree, this is dependent upon the reader and is subjective. It also depends on how you define "influencing the world". Do you mean artistically, in terms of influencing literature, or having a more far reaching influence on shaping society?
In saying this however, there are some writers who would unquestionably be part of the literary canon that has shaped society.
William Shakespeare: perhaps the most famous playwrite of all time, whose plays are still widely studied and performed today.
Plato and Socrates: ancient Greek philosophers who developed some of the foundations of Western thought.
Chaucer: known as the "Father of English Literature", was probably the greatest writer and poet of the Middle Ages.
The list goes on... These were historically significant writers, but that is not to say that writers of the modern era are any less important. People like Virginia Woolf, J.R.R Tolkien and JK Rowling, to name but a few may be held in in such high regard as the old masters in years to come.
