But maybe the quote is about some kind of metaphysical incompatibility between the master's tools and the task of taking apart his house. Maybe the axe stops magically mid-stroke mere millimeters from the columns. Or maybe the tools themselves have a will of their own -- animated household objects like in a Disney film. "Nooooooooo," squeals the sledgehammer plaintively as you lift it. "That's my *owner's* house. I could never hurt his house! I wuuuuuvvvv him!!!"