There is something really horrific for any human being who feels he is being consumed by other people. I'm talking about a writer's critics, who don't address what you've written, but want to probe into your existence and magnify the trivia of your life without any sense of humor, without any sense of context.

In this quote, Wole Soyinka expresses the deep discomfort and horror that comes from being scrutinized by others, particularly by critics who focus not on the work itself, but on the personal life of the writer. Soyinka highlights how critics sometimes magnify trivial aspects of a writer’s existence, probing into private matters with little regard for context or the creative work itself. He contrasts this approach with the lack of humor in such criticism, emphasizing that humor and context are essential for a balanced understanding of an artist’s life and work.

Soyinka’s frustration lies in the way that critics sometimes ignore the substance of what is being created—be it writing, art, or any form of expression—and instead focus on the personal lives of the creators. By doing so, they dehumanize the artist, reducing them to a set of personal details rather than engaging with the deeper themes and ideas they present through their art. He suggests that this type of criticism lacks depth and fails to recognize the complexity of human experience.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Soyinka’s own experiences as a writer and activist, where he has often been the subject of intense public scrutiny. As a prominent Nigerian author and Nobel laureate, Soyinka has been both praised and criticized, and his comment reflects his frustration with those who focus more on sensationalism rather than on the meaningful content of his work. His broader commentary on criticism can be seen as a defense of the artist’s right to be judged by their work rather than by their private life.

Ultimately, Soyinka’s quote underscores the importance of context and understanding in the way we engage with art and its creators. He stresses that criticism should be about the ideas and the creativity that a writer or artist presents, not about trivial personal details that do not serve the art itself. This perspective champions the need for respectful and thoughtful engagement with artists, rather than reducing them to mere subjects of gossip.