Moment

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. 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'.