I read the OP's "compare" as the judgement-filled comparison, where one measures their self-worth based on where others are at relative to themselves / relies o

I read the OP's "compare" as the judgement-filled comparison, where one measures their self-worth based on where others are at relative to themselves / relies on external yardsticks for definition of identity. The compare you're talking about—seeking excellent people (internally defined) and wanting to learn from them (without judgement)—is an extremely important thing.