Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has shared his unconventional choice for hydration, stating that he favours wine instead of water.
In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, the acclaimed literary figure shared his thoughts on this surprising choice, stating that water, rather than providing inspiration, merely “takes up space,” and he makes an effort to avoid it whenever possible.
Soyinka elaborated on his preference, noting, “Water just takes up space and you know and it belongs to other commodities. So, I am not keen on water. I avoid water as much as possible.” He highlighted the multifaceted role of wine in his life, explaining, “A good, robust wine either sends you to sleep right away or inspires you to work. You never know which way it (wine) will work.”
This candid admission comes as Soyinka celebrates his 90th birthday, which he marked on July 13, 2024.
During the interview, he also discussed the evolution of his writing process in light of technological advancements.
Soyinka confessed that he has moved away from traditional writing methods, stating, “I no longer can write on a piece of paper, except maybe scraps of poetry.”
Reflecting on the rapid pace of technological change, he remarked, “You don’t attempt to be up to date with everything. Because after a while, it gets too much.”
Soyinka humorously expressed his frustration with modern devices that seem to overstep their bounds, “And the next thing, you have a machine which talks, and it talks back to you. I said shut up I am the one doing the writing, and then it’s attempting to correct me, what type of nonsense is that?”
When it comes to his creative inspiration, the literary giant shared that solitude is essential. “I get my best ideas in isolation. And that isolation includes even being on a plane where nobody is talking to me. My space is total isolation,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of undisturbed moments for his creative process.
Soyinka’s reflections on wine, technology, and the solitude necessary for inspiration provide a unique glimpse into the mind of one of literature’s most revered figures, demonstrating how he continues to adapt and thrive even at 90.
