The Spaniards have a word, longanimidad, which has been well applied in describing him, as it signifies greatness and constancy of mind in adversity.

He was rapt in his designs, having a ringing for ever in his ears of great projects, making him deaf to much, perhaps, that prudence might have heeded:--one to be loved by those near him, and likely by his presence to inspire favour and respect.
COLUMBUS'S DESIRE FOR DISCOVERY.
At what precise period his great idea came into his mind we have no means of ascertaining.

The continuous current of Portuguese discoveries had, as we have seen, excited the mind of Europe, and must have greatly influenced Columbus, living in the midst of them.

This may be said without in the least detracting from his merits as a discoverer.

In real life people do not spring from something baseless to something substantial, as people in sick dreams.