Navigating columns: how to go up 1 level

[nuubie]

So I'm in Finder/Applications in List View (its VERY long) and I want to collapse the folder. Like go from Safari to Applications. There must be a quick, easy way, like in Windows Explorer when you hit the left arrow button, to do this in the Finder, Path Finder, etc. But I've tried every key combo I can think of. I can't believe they would have left such an obvious navigational tool out. As inventors often say, "There's just gotta be a way!"

[fryke]

So you're _not_ in columns view but list view? I'm confused. Either way: Cmd-UpArrow is your friend.