Should a university student look to those above them for competition, or to those below them to thank God?

A student of knowledge should combine looking at those superior to him in acquiring knowledge, to be energized and compete with them, and looking at those inferior to him in acquiring knowledge, to thank Allah for His blessings upon him. This is because seeking knowledge necessitates looking upwards to increase attainment, whereas the blessing of understanding and intelligence necessitates looking downwards to recognize Allah's favor.