Nobel Laureate and renowned literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, has shared a surprising personal habit—his preference for wine over water. In a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Soyinka disclosed that he avoids drinking water as much as possible, opting for wine instead, which he finds more fulfilling.
Explaining his unusual choice, the 90-year-old playwright and poet said, “Water just takes up space, and you know it belongs to other commodities. So, I am not keen on water. I avoid it as much as possible.” Soyinka added that wine, for him, provides either relaxation or creative inspiration, depending on the moment.
“A good, robust wine either sends you to sleep right away or inspires you to work. You never know which way it will work,” Soyinka remarked during the interview.
Soyinka, who turned 90 on July 13, 2024, reflected on his illustrious literary journey and how technological advancements have impacted his writing habits. He revealed that he no longer writes on paper except for “scraps of poetry,” and humorously shared his frustrations with modern technology.
“You don’t attempt to be up to date with everything. After a while, it gets too much. And the next thing, you have a machine which 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?” Soyinka quipped, highlighting his playful battle with technology.
When asked about his creative process at 90, Soyinka emphasized the importance of solitude in generating ideas. “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 said.
The literary legend continues to inspire writers and readers worldwide, with his works and musings reflecting not only his vast knowledge but also his distinctive approach to creativity and life. As he remains active in the literary world, Soyinka’s unique habits and sharp wit continue to charm audiences globally.
