A celebrity is one who is known to many persons he is glad he

That quote is often attributed to Lord Byron, but in fact, it is not authentically his.

“A celebrity is one who is known to many persons he is glad he doesn’t know.”
— Commonly misattributed to Lord Byron

Authentic Source

The true origin of this witticism is H. L. Mencken (1880–1956), the American journalist, satirist, and cultural critic. It appears in his collection A Mencken Chrestomathy (1949), where he defines a “celebrity” in his characteristically sharp and ironic style.

Interpretation

Mencken’s line captures the paradox of fame: that public recognition often comes from people whose attention or judgment the celebrity might rather avoid. It’s a clever commentary on the loneliness and absurdity of public life, where notoriety replaces intimacy.

Summary

• Claimed author: Lord Byron ❌ (misattributed)

• True author: H. L. Mencken ✅

• Source: A Mencken Chrestomathy (1949)

• Meaning: A satirical observation on the superficial nature of fame — being known by many, but wishing you weren’t.