The proposition “capable of composing poetry when ascending heights” (登高能赋) in The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons represents a significant literary theory of the Wei-Jin and Six Dynasties period. Contrary to the interpretation of the proposition in Treatise on Literature and Arts in the Book of Han, which does not associate it with composing poetry in ceremonial settings, the original meaning refers to the creative act of writing poetry or fu inspired by observing natural landscapes from elevated positions. During the Six Dynasties, scholars like Zuo Si (左思) and Huangfu Mi (皇甫谧) reinterpreted this concept to emphasize objective description (体物) in literary creation. However, Liu Xie’s explanation in The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons adheres to the original notion of emotional response to external stimuli (感物). Liu Xie’s advocacy of this concept aimed to promote the innovative poetic style of Xie Tiao (谢朓) and others, emphasizing spontaneous emotional expression triggered by natural scenery. This study reveals how Liu Xie’s theoretical stance both preserved the classical interpretation while supporting contemporary literary innovations.