We may be controlled by laws or social rules, but by maintaining the power to break these rules, to deviate from the social norms, is the critical differentiating factor between sentient and non-sentient organisms. There may be consequences that one must face for deviating from the social norm or the legal order, but ony may break the rule and face the consequences if one wishes. Yes, however, it is often in the best interests of an individual to further the aims of society, perhaps at the individual's own expense. These things are all facilitates by contributing to society. Perhaps one should not strive to eke out a mere existence of blissful conformity to society's desires, but to live.
Life is three-dimensional.
We maximize its volume by maximizing the length, the depth, and the width of existence. A life of infinite length must have a proportionatly longer width and depth than a briefer life for it to meet these minimum physical requirements. One must achieve a balance. Nor is an existence without width. And one also needs depth.