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The Truth about Us: The Very Good News about How Very Bad We Are
W hat would happen if you admitted you weren't a good person?
It's a seemingly crazy question. From priests to prisoners, nearly everyone thinks they're morally better than average. Why change our minds? Why admit the truth about ourselves?
In his conversational, fun-to-read, and delightfully self-effacing style, Brant Hansen shows us why we should fight our drive to be self-righteous: it's breathtakingly freeing. What's more, just admitting that we're profoundly biased toward ourselves and want desperately to preserve our "rightness" at all costs even helps us think better, make better decisions, be better listeners, and improve our relationships with God and others.
Hansen draws from biblical insight and the work of everyone from esteemed social psychologists to comedians to make his point: the sooner we get over ourselves, give up the "I'm good" internal dialogue, and admit the truth, the sooner we can live a more lighthearted, fruitful, fun-loving life.
This book is about the freedom of childlike humility. After all, as Hansen writes, the humble life is truly your best one.
It's a seemingly crazy question. From priests to prisoners, nearly everyone thinks they're morally better than average. Why change our minds? Why admit the truth about ourselves?
In his conversational, fun-to-read, and delightfully self-effacing style, Brant Hansen shows us why we should fight our drive to be self-righteous: it's breathtakingly freeing. What's more, just admitting that we're profoundly biased toward ourselves and want desperately to preserve our "rightness" at all costs even helps us think better, make better decisions, be better listeners, and improve our relationships with God and others.
Hansen draws from biblical insight and the work of everyone from esteemed social psychologists to comedians to make his point: the sooner we get over ourselves, give up the "I'm good" internal dialogue, and admit the truth, the sooner we can live a more lighthearted, fruitful, fun-loving life.
This book is about the freedom of childlike humility. After all, as Hansen writes, the humble life is truly your best one.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
About the author
Brant Hansen
17 books586 followersBrant Hansen is a radio host who has won multiple National Personality of the Year awards. He also works with CURE International, a worldwide network of hospitals that brings life-changing medical care and the good news of God’s love to children with treatable conditions. Brant currently lives in Northern California with his wife, Carolyn; his son, Justice; and his daughter, Julia. He can be found at branthansen.com and @branthansen on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
April 16, 2020
:: I paid full price for my copy of 'The Truth About Us'. This is not a purchased review or review for trade. ::
Full Disclosure: Even after all the personally affronting, bracing-like-cold-water truths he felt compelled to share in 'The Truth About Us', Brant Hansen is going to have to try much, much harder to get me to "unsubscribe" from his personal brand.
However, I cannot keep this man's books on my shelves - here's why:
As a long time listener and reviewer of previous books, I can't look away from the puppet-driven Hansen train as it plows happily through our comfort zones and leaves us asking pitifully for more accordion.
In 'Unoffendable', Brant checks the mic: "Testing, testing, 3...2...1 - you have no right to be angry but you're not the only one"
In 'Blessed are the Misfits', Hansen raises the house lights: "Look around, all quirky, jaded and flawed souls, we do not misfit alone."
And now, in 'The Truth About Us' Brant Hansen looks our vulnerable misfit crowd in the eyes and delivers hard truths as he best knows how, factually and to the point: "You guys aren't actually all that good" he says "but... turns out, neither am I."
2nd Full Disclosure: The truths in Brant's new book aren't new truths, but they are often unpopular, untouched truths, the kind with a tendency to scald once spilled. Along comes Hansen, puppets for pot-holders, willing to handle and spill for all.
This brings me to the one running problem I have had with Hansen's books reaching all the way back to 'Unoffendable' and the reason I don't keep his books on my shelves to this day: I cannot keep his books on my shelves.
Oh, sure - they visit, maybe spend spend the night or a few, but I can never keep them shelf-stable for long. Before I've reached the end, I always have someone- usually several people- in line to share them with. No matter how many copies I've purchased, they always find their way into another's hands.
I recommend a digital copy of your own and a lending copy for friends.
As Brant has pointed out, we are prone to forgetfulness. Keeping a copy of Brant's words around is like having a letter of encouragement in your pocket from a sincere, on-demand friend.
'The Truth About Us' contains bad news, but Bran't won't leave you to squirm alone... and he won't leave you without some very good news, too.
Full Disclosure: Even after all the personally affronting, bracing-like-cold-water truths he felt compelled to share in 'The Truth About Us', Brant Hansen is going to have to try much, much harder to get me to "unsubscribe" from his personal brand.
However, I cannot keep this man's books on my shelves - here's why:
As a long time listener and reviewer of previous books, I can't look away from the puppet-driven Hansen train as it plows happily through our comfort zones and leaves us asking pitifully for more accordion.
In 'Unoffendable', Brant checks the mic: "Testing, testing, 3...2...1 - you have no right to be angry but you're not the only one"
In 'Blessed are the Misfits', Hansen raises the house lights: "Look around, all quirky, jaded and flawed souls, we do not misfit alone."
And now, in 'The Truth About Us' Brant Hansen looks our vulnerable misfit crowd in the eyes and delivers hard truths as he best knows how, factually and to the point: "You guys aren't actually all that good" he says "but... turns out, neither am I."
2nd Full Disclosure: The truths in Brant's new book aren't new truths, but they are often unpopular, untouched truths, the kind with a tendency to scald once spilled. Along comes Hansen, puppets for pot-holders, willing to handle and spill for all.
This brings me to the one running problem I have had with Hansen's books reaching all the way back to 'Unoffendable' and the reason I don't keep his books on my shelves to this day: I cannot keep his books on my shelves.
Oh, sure - they visit, maybe spend spend the night or a few, but I can never keep them shelf-stable for long. Before I've reached the end, I always have someone- usually several people- in line to share them with. No matter how many copies I've purchased, they always find their way into another's hands.
I recommend a digital copy of your own and a lending copy for friends.
As Brant has pointed out, we are prone to forgetfulness. Keeping a copy of Brant's words around is like having a letter of encouragement in your pocket from a sincere, on-demand friend.
'The Truth About Us' contains bad news, but Bran't won't leave you to squirm alone... and he won't leave you without some very good news, too.
August 29, 2022
I’m a Brant Hanson fan. I enjoy his easy style that still contains significant and helpful truth. This one is no different.
I’m always careful to recommend books because we’ve all read books we didn’t enjoy as recommended by people we do enjoy.
This one is a great mirror for us all to understand self better.
I’m always careful to recommend books because we’ve all read books we didn’t enjoy as recommended by people we do enjoy.
This one is a great mirror for us all to understand self better.
July 21, 2021
My husband has often repeated that if someone says “I’m a good person”, then they are usually not.
This book kind of follows that premise. But it widens it to “none of us are good people”. And that is a very countercultural statement. We all try to prove so hard that we are good, our beliefs are the correct ones and that really, if you compare us to others (those drug dealers or Hitler), then we can really be proud of ourselves.
In his book, Hansen humorously shows us how far off the tracks we are…. We are not good people. None of us are.
But really, in the end, that is a good thing. We need to get over ourselves and stop trying to justify the things we do. We are “not the standard” by which good and bad are judged. And none of us can measure up to that standard, which is Jesus.
But that’s great! There is freedom in that! Because the one who set that standard loves us in our brokenness. We don’t have to prove anything. We are made good by His goodness, not ours. So we can relax. It’s His goodness that matters. And when I cover myself in His righteousness instead of my own…I can live without trying to prove to others and myself that “I’m a good person”. It’s a new level of peace and freedom. And it is for all of us bad people!
This book kind of follows that premise. But it widens it to “none of us are good people”. And that is a very countercultural statement. We all try to prove so hard that we are good, our beliefs are the correct ones and that really, if you compare us to others (those drug dealers or Hitler), then we can really be proud of ourselves.
In his book, Hansen humorously shows us how far off the tracks we are…. We are not good people. None of us are.
But really, in the end, that is a good thing. We need to get over ourselves and stop trying to justify the things we do. We are “not the standard” by which good and bad are judged. And none of us can measure up to that standard, which is Jesus.
But that’s great! There is freedom in that! Because the one who set that standard loves us in our brokenness. We don’t have to prove anything. We are made good by His goodness, not ours. So we can relax. It’s His goodness that matters. And when I cover myself in His righteousness instead of my own…I can live without trying to prove to others and myself that “I’m a good person”. It’s a new level of peace and freedom. And it is for all of us bad people!
February 10, 2026
3.8 stars. Very good message in this book. I think I enjoyed his other books more, but that is mostly because I’ve heard Brant talk about this on his podcast often so it felt like I was reading something I’ve already heard before. Still good though!
May 8, 2020
His humour and honesty hooked me right away. This had as refreshingly freeing a message as did Unoffendable. Both are books I would like to try to read every year.
Highlight quotes that got me right between the eyes, or right in the heart:
-Mercy is a wonderful time and energy saver.
- God has shown us our value through Jesus and promised us a glorious, secure future with Him... if I trust Him in these things, I will be less, not more,self-righteous. I won’t be threatened so easily. My goodness isn’t at issue.
- desperation, when it goes to Jesus, leads to peace. If our supposed goodness keeps us from desperation, we’ll never get there.
- There’s something about self-righteousness that kills the fun every time. It makes want to teach people instead of just enjoying a moment.
Highlight quotes that got me right between the eyes, or right in the heart:
-Mercy is a wonderful time and energy saver.
- God has shown us our value through Jesus and promised us a glorious, secure future with Him... if I trust Him in these things, I will be less, not more,self-righteous. I won’t be threatened so easily. My goodness isn’t at issue.
- desperation, when it goes to Jesus, leads to peace. If our supposed goodness keeps us from desperation, we’ll never get there.
- There’s something about self-righteousness that kills the fun every time. It makes want to teach people instead of just enjoying a moment.
August 8, 2020
4⭐️
While not as good as his previous 2 books (which are both 5 ⭐️), this one does still have a lot of wisdom and underline-able quotes on living life with more humility in the realization of our weakness in light of God’s righteousness.
While not as good as his previous 2 books (which are both 5 ⭐️), this one does still have a lot of wisdom and underline-able quotes on living life with more humility in the realization of our weakness in light of God’s righteousness.
May 19, 2023
The casual, conversational style of this book makes you think it's going to be an easy read, and it is, but with the occasional gut-punch that can't help but shift your perception of things.
February 17, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable book that offers advice for living your best life by simply realizing that we're all tragically flawed, and accepting our imperfection allows us to better identify with and accept the same in others, and just accept others in general. In a society in which we all (myself included) are looking to excuse our own behaviors, while actively confronting others about theirs, this book is an incredibly timely one IMO. To paraphrase an excerpt from the book, one that I hope will stick with me from this day forward, "We evaluate our personal behavior based on our intentions, yet we base others' behavior on their actions". This book has inspired me to be less self-righteous and more understanding and forgiving - I am so very glad I had the opportunity to read it.
October 21, 2024
Fun Read!
If we are honest, we are all a little self-centered. That's why social media is so popular. By the way, nobody really cares that you had pop-tarts for breakfast. Anyway, in "The Truth About Us," Brant Hansen tackles the subject of self-centeredness in a fun, but serious way. He has a unique conversational style that is no doubt born out of his years of working in Christian radio. There are times you feel like he is speaking to you as you read. One would think that a book about self-centeredness would make you feel guilty, and Hansen sometimes brings out Scripture that steps on your toes. However, Hansen points out that his book is not about guilt. Instead, it is about "living in the reality that we a loved by Someone (Jesus Christ) who already knows the truth about us."
If we are honest, we are all a little self-centered. That's why social media is so popular. By the way, nobody really cares that you had pop-tarts for breakfast. Anyway, in "The Truth About Us," Brant Hansen tackles the subject of self-centeredness in a fun, but serious way. He has a unique conversational style that is no doubt born out of his years of working in Christian radio. There are times you feel like he is speaking to you as you read. One would think that a book about self-centeredness would make you feel guilty, and Hansen sometimes brings out Scripture that steps on your toes. However, Hansen points out that his book is not about guilt. Instead, it is about "living in the reality that we a loved by Someone (Jesus Christ) who already knows the truth about us."
March 7, 2022
Mr Hansen has become one of my favorite authors. His easy to understand way of conveying information will leave you nodding and having repeated brain explosions. He is able to take concepts that we, as Christians, can easily gloss over and instead make them come to life - and help us apply to our daily lives.
We aren’t good people. And we deceive ourselves when we think we are - but in spite of our “badness,” Christ still loves us and calls us to Him.
God knew the truth about us — and He still loves us. Highly recommend this read. I’m making my husband read it now too and he’s not sad about it. 😉
We aren’t good people. And we deceive ourselves when we think we are - but in spite of our “badness,” Christ still loves us and calls us to Him.
God knew the truth about us — and He still loves us. Highly recommend this read. I’m making my husband read it now too and he’s not sad about it. 😉
October 15, 2025
I definitely teared up on the last line. Oh man this is what we need. This has been my focus for the past 6 months or so and this book reminded me I have so far to go.
March 30, 2020
The Truth about Us is by Brant Hansen, a Christian radio personality and self-proclaimed misfit. This book is an ‘odd but (very) true’ book sprinkled with humor (which might include his love of accordions, puppets and toast). He takes an honest look at God’s grace and our guilt, motives and need for humility. In fact the subtitle for this book is “The very good news about how very bad we are”. And he does not pull any punches, he means all of us. And to give an example, a couple of the chapter titles are: Your very own PR firm and why you should fire them and Follow your heart: the worst advice ever.
If you listen to Brant on the radio, you can hear him speak the words as you read this book. It is convicting and inspiring and I think everyone should read it. In fact I will try to make at least some of that happen! I recommend it highly!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If you listen to Brant on the radio, you can hear him speak the words as you read this book. It is convicting and inspiring and I think everyone should read it. In fact I will try to make at least some of that happen! I recommend it highly!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 5, 2023
“Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.”
The overall theme of this one is… Humility. We really aren’t all as good as we think we are. Praise God we don’t have to be!
This one hits home for me personally. Being an enneagram 9, working in a church, & of course being a yellow-bellied-people pleaser, can be exhausting. We’re always trying to earn something that wasn’t meant to be earned. It was meant to be accepted from our Father.
When we put all our egos aside & accept Gods grace & His righteousness instead of our own, we’ll start to look at the world a little different. Mind you, it’s a daily battle sometimes, but we can begin to shed our judgmental behaviors, our egos, our self righteousness, & truly love God, others, and ourselves more.
The overall theme of this one is… Humility. We really aren’t all as good as we think we are. Praise God we don’t have to be!
This one hits home for me personally. Being an enneagram 9, working in a church, & of course being a yellow-bellied-people pleaser, can be exhausting. We’re always trying to earn something that wasn’t meant to be earned. It was meant to be accepted from our Father.
When we put all our egos aside & accept Gods grace & His righteousness instead of our own, we’ll start to look at the world a little different. Mind you, it’s a daily battle sometimes, but we can begin to shed our judgmental behaviors, our egos, our self righteousness, & truly love God, others, and ourselves more.
June 28, 2026
I really enjoy reading Hansen's books. They pack so much wisdom and joy in such a digestible, humorous, and relatable way. I think there's a lot to learn and take away from this one and I'll definitely be rereading it going forward. I'm looking forward to putting its lessons into practice!
"Oh yes, the heart is deceptive. And that calls for humility above all else, because my heart isn’t deceptive because it fools other people. It’s deceptive because it fools me.”
"Sometimes I think about how singular, and how shocking, grace truly is. I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I know a good deal when I see it. I'm taking this one."
"Oh yes, the heart is deceptive. And that calls for humility above all else, because my heart isn’t deceptive because it fools other people. It’s deceptive because it fools me.”
"Sometimes I think about how singular, and how shocking, grace truly is. I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I know a good deal when I see it. I'm taking this one."
July 19, 2022
This was a great read. I have been a Brant Hansen fan for a long time. He is funny and engaging, and profound all at the same time. This book's goal is help you rid yourself of self righteousness and be who you are truly meant to be in Christ. Very free! Not to say that after reading this book I'm totally not self righteous anymore, that I am now as humble as pie. But, it gave me a lot to think about, to pray about and ways to work on that part of me that I don't even like. My self righteousness. Especially the stuff in my head. I plan to read it again in a few months.
December 23, 2022
Hansen has a gift for converting scriptural principles into everyday context. His audio skills are exceptional so I highly recommend listening to him as opposed to reading him.
This particular book continues on the theme of Unoffendable (a previous Hansen best-seller) on treating pride and ego. It's marvelous.
Coming to see how flawed (maybe even awful) we are helps soften our hearts to our fellow man and to better appreciate God's mercy for us. And that makes us live a more surrendered life, producing far more joy. Hansen gets this across with truth and wit.
This particular book continues on the theme of Unoffendable (a previous Hansen best-seller) on treating pride and ego. It's marvelous.
Coming to see how flawed (maybe even awful) we are helps soften our hearts to our fellow man and to better appreciate God's mercy for us. And that makes us live a more surrendered life, producing far more joy. Hansen gets this across with truth and wit.
July 22, 2025
I'm at Zuma, Malibu beach sitting in the sand when I just finished listening to this audiobook. Every book Brant Hansen writes is sheer comic genius. You can tell he gets better and better. I love his humility tied in with quirky humor. Definitely, the funniest Christian author out there that I have read. Gosh, this beach is child and windy... and it's the middle of July! My dream is to one day get a house on the beach in California. If that doesn't happen.. then my next dream is to have read all of Brant Hansen's books 📚
November 4, 2023
About 4hr listen on Audible; enjoyable and engaging (as read by the author), and made me laugh a few times. Basically a book about how humans are just really selfish and evil, but the good news of the Gospel; God loves us despite that. And we should use that recognition to grow in humility and consideration for others, unity, and knowing that we never will be “enough” on our own - and that’s a good thing.
It is rather laughable how humans are just so good at self deception. Yow.
It is rather laughable how humans are just so good at self deception. Yow.
October 17, 2025
I've become a fan of Brant Hansen's writings. His humor and easy-going style make his books very engaging, but that doesn't mean that he writes fluff. His points are well-made and have deep impact.
Here, Hansen drives home the point that as much as we like to think of ourselves as good, we are not at all as good as we think we are. We are desperately wicked and are in desperate need of someone to fix us. Fortunately, we have that solution in Jesus Christ.
Here, Hansen drives home the point that as much as we like to think of ourselves as good, we are not at all as good as we think we are. We are desperately wicked and are in desperate need of someone to fix us. Fortunately, we have that solution in Jesus Christ.
March 4, 2021
Fantastic book that tells it like it is: No One Is A Good Person! Hansen even includes Bible verses to support this statement. He also states, "The battle against our own self-righteousness is our biggest battle of all." Once we realize this, people can live a freer, better and happier life. I enjoyed this book immensely and will definitely read it again.
November 17, 2020
HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who want to consider their self-righteousness...and laugh at every chapter! He uses humor to make the point that there is VERY GOOD NEWS ABOUT HOW VERY BAD WE ARE! Helps us see the heavy burden of self-righteousness and how Jesus wants us to live dependently and joyfully, free of that burden.
May 30, 2020
Very thought provoking! Review to come
June 27, 2020
The Truth About Us is a great book. It makes you think and I enjoyed his writing style.
January 17, 2022
Humbling, comforting, and deeply sincere. Hansen's discussion of worth, goodness, and the lens through which we view existence is firmly grounded but packed with valuable insight.
November 26, 2023
Really good especially after reading Unoffendable. How often do we get this stuff wrong (Christianity) because of our self-righteousness?!? Lord, please help me and others represent Jesus better and let go of our self-righteousness!
December 14, 2024
Incredible, I may be Brant Hansens biggest fan
April 21, 2020
Once again Brant Hansen delivers a humorous, yet sobering reality of our condition. Such a refreshing and freeing look at the reality of who we are, yet an amazing and hopeful promise for change. Could not recommend this book more highly.
May 25, 2025
Wonderful book that tells the hard but necessary truth.
June 24, 2025
Brant doesn’t miss on this one! Another easy read with his typical humor and satire! He breaks down our real motives behind things we do and helps realize how we are all sinners and Jesus knows all of our thoughts but still chooses to love us regardless of who we actually are.
October 2, 2022
Another great book from Brant Hansen - love his writing. So down to earth but packed with truth. Love all the references to psychology too…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews