藉《珂雪齋集》之「尺牘」小品，體會袁中道（袁小修）縱情酒色、耽溺山水、斷慾療傷、見性參求、科甲侘傺、困窮偃蹇之外現生活；並探索其內心世界之經世濟民、官隱守拙，風趣幽默、狂狷坦直，好閒習靜、尚樂喜友的個性特質；冀得充分掌握小修內外神韻樣貌，作為研究其散文小品之輔。

This paper gives a detailed description of Yuan Hsiao-Hsiu's character and life by interpreting his correspondence with family and friends which are included in Ko Hsueh Chai Chi, a collection of Yuan's literary works. Yuan's correspondence not only clearly portrays his life but also reveals his character and personality. Topics that are covered in this paper include the consequences of Yuan's failures at the civil service examinations, his self-indulgence, his challenges and sufferings, his political views, his affections for family and friends, and his philosophy of life.