"I have never been a critic of science fiction as a whole"

In this quote, author Robert Sheckley is stating that he has never been a critic of sci-fi as a genre. This suggests that he does not have unfavorable opinions or judgments about sci-fi as a whole. Rather, he may have particular criticisms or reviews of specific works within the genre, but he does not view sci-fi as a whole in a negative light. This might recommend that Sheckley has a deep appreciation for science fiction and its potential as a literary genre. It also highlights the value of not making sweeping generalizations or criticisms about a genre without thinking about private works within it.