Final answer:
The exclamatory phrase 'What a piece of work is man!' is assertively stated as 'Man is a remarkable creation.' This reflects a shift in language use from historically masculine-centric to modern inclusivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase “What a piece of work is man!” can be changed into an assertive form as “Man is a remarkable creation.” This transformation involves turning the exclamatory sentence into a declarative one that states a fact directly. Historically, English language often used masculine words like 'man' to represent all of humanity, both men and women. In modern times, however, it is more appropriate to use inclusive language that encompasses all genders.
This shift reflects our contemporary values of inclusivity and equality. Examining quotes from historic texts requires understanding the context and language biases of those times, while contemporary writing efforts should strive to reflect the diverse and inclusive culture present today.