本文欲透過〈報任安書〉探討司馬遷忠於自己的理想，並以作品作為自我拯救超越之路。司馬遷慘遭宮刑後，經歷過「腸一日而九回」的痛苦，但也讓他對歷史的透視力、洞察力提升到最高點，進而發憤著書，成就一家之言。故司馬遷發憤著書，如同屈原一樣，將作品當作是自我拯救、自我保存的超越之道。司馬遷編撰《史記》，不論在體制上、思想內容上、筆法上都有突破性的創新，是一種創作行為，他不只是為完成父親遺命，也不只是為了抒一己之怨憤苦悶，最主要的是他要實現自我，完成自我的生命價值。《史記》將珍貴、奇異及特殊的人物記載於永恆之中，同時凸顯人自主的精神，確立人的歷史主體性。透過〈報任安書〉正可見出史家之終極關懷。本文由「文學」與「經世」的角度切入，探討《史記》的完成，對司馬遷而言為何如此重要？進一步證成司馬遷生命的終極關懷。

This paper aims to discover how Sima Qian tries to be faithful with his idea and finding his own salvation through his work.Sima Qian believes that only literature is immortal. Therefore, those who receive the message of truth has no regret to die at the next moment. After Li-ling's misfortune was castrated, he bore the shame to carry on living for the purpose of Pao Jen-An shu. Because editing Shi-ji becomes the purpose of his life.Sima Qian is innovative with structure, concept and writing style when he edits Shi-ji. It is a process of creation for self fulfillment apart from finishing his father’s work or illustrating his own vexation. Shi-ji immortalizes those eccentric and precious characters and contrast the value of individuality. Truthfully reflects the ultimate concern of a historian.