See natural things or landscapes and feel a certain emotion – this can happen in two kinds of situations: one when seeking to relieve emotions by fixing one’s gaze on an object, or looking for objective counterparts for one’s existing emotions; the other when passively seeing things which arouse one’s emotions. In the second sense it is akin to the concept “draw inspiration from external objects,” where natural objects or other things inspire creative interest and emotion. It is mainly about the emotional effect of external objects on the subject when, in the absence of certain emotions or with other emotions deeply embedded in the heart, an author is touched by accidental encounters with external objects. The concept “be moved at the sight of natural objects” is mainly about the author’s love for nature. With the concept “draw inspiration from external object,” what inspires creative interest and emotion is not limited to natural objects. For example, literary and artistic works can inspire similar interest and emotion. However, the concept “be moved at the sight of natural objects” is primarily used in reference to natural objects or landscapes.

Writing while one looks down from a great height is meant to ensure natural scenery inspires the mind. Since thoughts are inspired by external objects, the connotation of the works should be clear and elegant. And since external objects are presented through subjective thoughts, the writings will be clever and beautiful. (Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons)

The intentional search for objective counterparts to carry subjective emotions is called analogy, as emotions are attached to things. The unintentional contact with external objects to generate emotions is called association, as external objects inspire emotions or arouse interest. (Hu Yin: Letter to Li Shuyi)

When the weather starts to change, the chance of nature’s objects inspiring the emotions is naturally high; and when moved by the scenery, the literati naturally respond with poems. (Xiao Tong: A Reply Letter to Xiao Gang, Prince Jin’an)