What distinguises delusion from big dreaming? the first black movie star or the first woman president would be considered "delusional" at one time

Rule of thumb: I believe this rule of thumb is useful for most emotional or mental disorders: if the symptom is not creating a problem for anyone - you or significant others or public safety - then it's okay to "let it be". It might even be beneficial as you suggest. Sometimes it is not easy to determine if no one is being negatively impacted, but that is a separate issue. Make sense to you?

Great question!: In your examples, the person is not yet claiming to be something she is not. Having high aspirations is definitely not "delusional, " as long as the person is willing to do the work that's required! mark twain said “keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” well said, i think.

Elyn Saks' Answer: "[d]elusions are fixed & false beliefs that aren't responsive to evidence" says professor elyn saks, law scholar (u of southern california). If you were deluded, you'd be 100% sure you'd become the 1st woman us president. No one could create any doubt in your mind. Saks talks about living w/ schizophrenia from the inside & about her journey 2living a full, rich life: http://nyti.Ms/14frzrd.

Delusion: Delusions are thoughts/ mind set that is not based on reality. Big dreaming is what helps propel people further in their lives.