"Anybody can be very destructive in that position without at all meaning to be, and I know that I have been inadvertently destructive in the past for certain people on certain occasions"

This quote by Tobias Wolff talks to the power of words and the potential for unintended damage. Wolff is acknowledging that, even when we don't suggest to, we can trigger destruction with our words. He is acknowledging that he has actually been devastating in the past, likely without implying to be. This quote functions as a pointer to be mindful of the words we utilize and the effect they can have on others. It is important to be familiar with the power of our words and to think before we speak. We must aim to utilize our words to build up and motivate, rather than to take down and hurt. We should be mindful of the potential for unintended damage and make every effort to use our words to bring about favorable modification.