While Defoe depicts the ideal exceptional individual as someone who challenges the conventional values ​​of his society, Stevenson develops this idea by proposing it from the point of view of a young boy. Because he is younger, Jim is associated with a certain level of innocence. This allows him to stealthily conform to both sides: the "good guys", like Doctor Livesey and the Captain, and the pirates, like Long John Silver. Through this ability, Jim's youth gives him more freedom that the other characters in both novels lack. This freedom allows Jim to create a wider gap between himself and his elders and create a stronger sense of individualism. For this reason, it is noted that age is not a factor in creating an exceptional individual. Anyone can challenge society's expectations and live life on their own terms. Additionally, Jim appears to use his individualism not only for his own benefit, but also to help others aboard the ship. After hearing Long John Silver's plans while in the apple barrel, Jim "realized that the lives of all the honest men on board depended on him alone" (Stevenson 56). This shows that Stevenson expands on Defoe's ideas by proving that individualism can not only benefit more than a specific individual, but also other people associated with that individual.