Illusion and Delusion

 Nature of the Experience

• Illusion: A perceptual distortion. Your eyes, ears, or other senses are being tricked by the environment (e.g., optical illusions or a shadow looking like a person).
• Delusion: A cognitive or belief-based distortion. It is a firm conviction that is not based on reality or cultural consensus, originating from the mind rather than a sensory trigger. 

An illusion is a misinterpretation of a real external sensory stimulus (e.g., a mirage). A delusion, however, is a fixed, false belief that is firmly held regardless of contradicting evidence or logical proof (e.g., believing someone is reading your thoughts).

Common Examples

• Illusion: The Moon appearing much larger on the horizon than when it is high in the sky, or seeing a pool of water on a hot desert road (a heat mirage).
• Delusion: Believing that you possess secret superpowers, or believing without any concrete evidence that a spouse is being unfaithful.
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