An important notion that Søren Kierkegaard explored is Øieblikket, translated as "the moment" or "the blink of an eye". It consists of an actual experience in the individual’s life, yet it cannot be understood as a mere link in the chain of successive moments. Rather, its crucial importance can only grasped when perceived as open to eternity, as the elevation of a mere instant in time to a defining moment which effects a complete change of direction in one’s life.