I just heard of that book on my list but got 15 books to finish now

You've presented a false dichotomy. It doesn't have to be either or.

It depends on what it is you want to change. Things that are outmoded and no longer work generally rot away on their own and can be easily cleared out with few objections.

Some people can see nothing but ugliness in the world and they are constantly calling for social changes. I think it is important not to become so focused on specific goals that you ignore the total picture. For example, some are calling for an end to “capitalism”. There are costs associated with every change, and unless those costs are fully understood it might be better to keep the status quo.

But if you have a brilliant new idea for something that will benefit humanity, then go for it—legally of course.

I always try to focus on the good so likely start there. However I am very into rooting out why something is bad and trying to come up with a plan to make it better. We never plan to have something end up "bad" so I feel like if I can recapture what I was originally thinking I can adjust and re-assemble the plan and turn it into a win

You can't build something good on a rotten foundation, a lifetime of building has taught me that. One area where people want to skimp when building for the first time is on the foundation because it winds up buried under the rest of the house, you never see it and you just take it for granted - until it starts to rot away and then the whole house has to be replaced or expensive repairs to the foundation have to be made if the rot hasn't gone too deep.
Sometimes you have to tear out that rot before you can build anything good that will last.

Both are good to do. Building something new is generally a more difficult task than simply tearing something down and so it is more rarely done.

We need more builders/protectors/maintainers of good things.

Very interesting question sir. I live in a place where all things bad are in existence and in my observation, doing or starting anything good will not matter as those bad things will still continue. Eradication may well suit as the answer. This world is not going to change and a drastic measure can only alter its course. That is of course my personal opinion only. Good day sir. Thank you.

creation over destruction

Building something good is the best way to effect change. But I understand the impulse to tear something bad down. However, if one is patient, bad things often fall down on their own.

I think building something good. Tearing down first could cause contention.