Being Human: A User’s Guide: Past Performance Is Not a Guarantee of Future Results

by David Ellis

A guy is walking down the street and falls in a hole. He can’t get out and calls for help. A doctor comes by, drops down a script, and says he will consult with his colleagues. The guy says thanks but I’m still stuck in this hole. A minister comes by and wants to help. He drops down a prayer and says he’ll have his congregation pray for him. The guy says thanks, but I’m still stuck in this hole. I come by and see him huddled up against himself. I ask what’s going on, he tells me, and I jump in the hole. He says, “Great, now we are both stuck down here!” I said, “Yes, but I’ve been in this hole before and I know the way out.” If you are in a hole and want to know the way out then I’m your guy!

197 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

David Ellis is a lawyer and the Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for Best First Novel for Line of Vision. Ellis attended Northwestern Law School and began his legal career in private practice in Chicago in 1993. He served as the House Prosecutor who tried and convicted Illinois Governor Blagojevich in the Impeachment Trial before the Illinois Senate. He was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2014 and took office December 1, 2014. Ellis currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Ellis’s Being Human A User's Guide: Past Performance Isn't a Guarantee of Future Results is a book that questions and goes beyond traditional psychology. Exploring different problems we all face, the book explores topics such as finding joy, self-awareness, and the impact of those around us.

Picking from different books with references, the author supports his opinion, sometimes even contradicting some of the writings in said books. Additionally, being a psychology degree holder and having more experience in this field, most of his findings in this book made sense. I loved how he also shows that people are different, and one may be able to help himself from a situation while the other would need a helping hand.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being Human, A Users Guide is just that- a guidebook to becoming a healed, more complete version of oneself. Throughout this educational read, David Ellis teaches us using wisdom from experience and knowledge from scientific education about self control, healthy mental habits, and building one’s mind through emotional resilience. This is an impactful, insightful self-help book that 99% of the world needs without even realizing it.

[John Obi · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Ellis delivers guidance with the wisdom of a sage, and he writes like an elderly man who's been through much and now passes down his knowledge through metaphors and storytelling. Being Human is a pyschology-based guide to self improvement, focusing on mental clarity. Using experience from his own clinical psychology practice, Ellis provides steps to help improve our mental wellbeing, and hopefully that of our families and future families in the process.

[milly refrers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Human: A User’s Guide is one of those rare books that feels like a conversation with someone who truly understands human struggle. David Ellis blends psychology, lived experience, and compassion into something deeply practical. The themes of emotional regulation, trauma, and personal responsibility are handled with honesty. It’s not preachy—it’s real.

[noah bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Ellis writes with the clarity of a seasoned therapist and the humility of someone who has lived through what he teaches. This book explains why we repeat patterns even when we know better. The author’s personal stories make the ideas relatable and human. A thoughtful guide for anyone wanting real change.

[miaa mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out because it doesn’t promise miracles—it teaches understanding. Ellis explains how our emotional brain often hijacks logic and how that shapes our choices. The themes of self-awareness, healing, and growth are consistent throughout. It’s practical, grounded, and deeply insightful.

[jack ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Human feels like a roadmap for people who are tired of repeating the same mistakes. David Ellis uses psychology, neuroscience, and real-life examples to explain behavior in a simple way. The author’s voice is honest and compassionate. A meaningful read for anyone seeking clarity.

[nick jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I appreciated most about this book is how human it feels. David Ellis doesn’t speak from theory alone—he speaks from experience. The themes of trauma, emotional survival, and responsibility are powerful. It helps you understand yourself without judgment.

[nickolas mateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a typical self-help book. The author breaks down complex psychological ideas into everyday language. David Ellis’s background as a therapist adds depth, while his personal experiences add credibility. The book focuses on awareness, emotional control, and long-term change.

[milli joffers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being Human: A User’s Guide explains why intelligence alone doesn’t protect us from bad decisions. Ellis explores how childhood experiences and fear shape adult behavior. The themes are universal and deeply relatable. It’s insightful without being overwhelming.

[Pattins · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Ellis writes like someone who has walked through the same struggles he describes. The book connects neuroscience, therapy, and real-life lessons beautifully. The focus on emotional regulation and self-responsibility is empowering. A thoughtful and grounding read.

[Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me understand my reactions instead of judging them. Ellis explains how the brain works under stress and why emotions take over. The author’s honesty makes the message stronger. It’s both educational and reassuring.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book special is its balance between compassion and accountability. David Ellis doesn’t blame the reader—but he doesn’t excuse harmful patterns either. The themes of healing and awareness are consistent. A very practical guide to being human.