Final answer:
The term 'nonconformist' could best be replaced by 'rebel', as it encapsulates the essence of resisting societal norms and authority, which aligns with the context of individualism and self-reliance represented by the passage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term nonconformist in the context provided could best be replaced by rebel. A nonconformist is someone who does not conform to prevailing ideas or practices in their society or group. This term, when used in literature and philosophy, often carries a positive connotation of independence and self-reliance.
The other options provided, such as leader, outsider, and dropout, do not capture the essence of challenging societal norms that nonconformist implies. A rebel is someone who resists or defies authority or commonly accepted norms, which is in alignment with the spirit of nonconformity described in the passage. This interpretation is in line with the views of thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who advocated for individualism and self-trust.