---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Whats up?\" he asked. Up, I thought…"
description: "\"“Whats up?\" he asked. Up, I thought. \"This,\" I said, looking down at the photo in my hand. Down, I thought.”\" — David Levithan"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f4/david-levithan-67_asked_whats-up-he-asked-up-i-thought-this-i-sa_2406705.jpg"
---

#  Whats up?" he asked. Up, I thought. "This," I said…

![“Whats up?&quot; he asked. Up, I thought. &quot;This,&quot; I said, looking down at the photo in my hand. Down, I thought.” quote by David Levithan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f4/david-levithan-67_asked_whats-up-he-asked-up-i-thought-this-i-sa_2406705.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f4/david-levithan-67_asked_whats-up-he-asked-up-i-thought-this-i-sa_2406705.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f4/david-levithan-67_asked_whats-up-he-asked-up-i-thought-this-i-sa_2406705.jpg)

> ““Whats up?" he asked. Up, I thought. "This," I said, looking down at the photo in my hand. Down, I thought.””

[David Levithan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-levithan/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A conversation about direction and perception, using “up” and “down” as metaphors for understanding and perspective.

**In simple terms:** Perspective changes how we view direction.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shifting viewpoints.

Themes

language perception direction interpretation

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- reading comprehension
- creative writing
- mindfulness

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- How does perspective alter meaning?
- What does “up” symbolize for you?

A Different Perspective

Metaphors may be ambiguous without context.

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