ABSTRACT
The Danish word Øieblik is derived from the word for “eye” (Øie) and the word for “glint” or “glance” or “twinkle” (Blik) and means: a very short interval of time, commensurate with the twinkling of an eye-an instant.1 The Danish word Moment is ultimately derived, via the French moment, from the Latin movere-to move. Among its Danish meanings are something with the power to move (cf. momentum); a relationship or circumstance of great importance (cf. momentous); a turning point in a development, which is of decisive importance; and a brief period of time, which is of decisive importance.2 This article will focus primarily on Kierkegaard’s uses of Øieblik, with occasional references to his uses of Moment. However, the connotations Moment has of decisive importance and the power to move are incorporated into Kierkegaard’s ethical and religious applications of Øieblik.
