How did Long John Silver think he was different from other ship captains like Flint and English?

Silver was different from Flint and English because he was still alive.

"So?" says Silver. "Well, and where are they now? Pew was that sort, and he died a beggar-man. Flint was, and he died of rum at Savannah. Ah, they was a sweet crew, they was! On'y, where are they?"