Is it right to act in one's own best interest, or to obey the state?

Is it right to act in one's own best interest, or to obey the state? In other words, was Socrates right to obey the orders of the state of Athens to take poison, or should he have acted to preserve his own life by choosing exile or escaping? Explain how Confucius or Chuang Tzu or a Buddhist would support or condemn the decision Socrates made.

I am writing a critical position essay and would like help and a second opinion on how to go through with answering this question.