Generally no artist should compare his/her work with other artist, because everyone has own styles/techniques and preferences. In my opinion, its totally fine as a way to get some inspiration, but thats it. I totally agree with you the missing input from less creative people around you. Just sneek into an art school and sit there in the libary, if there is one or into the cafeteria 😂. No seriously, I dont know where you‘re from, but I would go to free workshops or galleries and museums in my hometown just to surround myself with „artminded“ people, because its more likely to meet them there than in a grocery store. :)