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"We three kings from orient are", runs the famous Christmas carol. But in the GospelIn the Bible, a teaching of Christ. Also a genre of Christian music. of Matthew, the men who visited the baby Jesus are described as "Magi", which is often translated as "wise men".

The word "magi" originally came from the PersianA language, also known as Farsi, spoken in Iran. word "magus", or a priestA religious leader in the Christian church. who was highly trained in astrologyThe study of the movements of the sun, moon and planets and the belief that they affect people's personalities and lives. .

Today, however, studying astrology is unlikely to get us quite as far. So how can we learn to be wise in our own times?

Here are five ideas you can use to become wiser in the modern world.

Goodhart's law: This rule states that setting targets can make people focus on meeting the target instead of actually making things better.

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Segal's law: This states that: "a man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure". We tend to think that the more information we have, the better. But sometimes it is better not to spend too much time worrying about whether or not the information we have is right.

Generation effect: When we want to learn about a topic, we often start with reading about it. But according to the generation effect, information stays with us more easily if it comes from within our own minds.

Licensing effect: In simple terms, this states that if we think we are good we will let ourselves do bad. For example, we might let ourselves keep £10 that someone has dropped if we have given that much to charity.

Ambiguity aversionA strong dislike.: In general, we prefer a known bad outcome to an unknown one. But taking risks is important in life.

Yes! Being wise means knowing how to change how you act depending on the situation you are in. Anyone can learn that.

No! Being wise relies on lots of skills that you are either born with or born without - such as good memory and intelligence.

Gospel - In the Bible, a teaching of Christ. Also a genre of Christian music.

Persian - A language, also known as Farsi, spoken in Iran.

Priest - A religious leader in the Christian church.

Astrology - The study of the movements of the sun, moon and planets and the belief that they affect people's personalities and lives.

Aversion - A strong dislike.