How is Robinson Crusoe the true homo economicus of the eighteenth century?

The character
ofis certainly the model "homo economicus." The novel is a serialization of the life
of a "man-made" survivalist. He even leaves his family for the sake of economic
betterment. At the beginning of the novel, his father desires him to maintain his middle-class
duties and resist the "poverty-stricken" fate of an ill-advised explorer.

Crusoe's inborn capitalism and desire for individual advantage are quite notable
throughout. He is the self-sufficient "economic man," and the island is essentially
fit for his exploitation. His resourceful industry and knowledge enable him to endure
twenty-four years on the island he is...