"A mugwump is a person educated beyond his intellect"

This quote by Horace Porter is a humorous method of stating that someone is over-educated and not really smart. It implies that the person has been offered excessive knowledge and is not able to use it successfully. The term "mugwump" is derived from an Algonquian word significance "war leader" and was utilized in the 19th century to describe someone who was independent and not connected with any political party. By using this term, Porter is recommending that the individual in concern is not able to utilize their education to make sensible decisions or to lead efficiently. He is implying that the person is unable to think for themselves and is instead relying on their education to make decisions. This quote is an amusing method of saying that somebody is not as wise as they believe they are.