Best interest vs self interest

People do not always act in their best interest. There are many examples of this. But is it not that society dictates what is in our own best interest? We have to go to school and listen in out classes because society dictates that it is in our best interest. When we go against this "best interest", we fulfill our self interest. Are we not a selfish species? But so are animals. I understand humans are distinct, we are different and more complicated then animals. But this is because we have the concept of free will. We like to have control over ourselves and sometimes disobey our best interest because we want to be in control. Just like the example of painting, even though your parents have a wonderful plan that will gain money. Do we need the reward? Most people would say yes, but that is only because society places such a high value on money.