Byron exercised greater historical influence as a myth than as a man.

Evidence

The world insisted on simplifying him, and omitting the element of pose in his cosmic despair and professed contempt for mankind. Like many other prominent men, he was more important as a myth than as he really was. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2731

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2731