Final answer:
The statement suggests the concept that change is a constant, which aligns with scientific principles, but does not support the blanket rejection of old ideas. Therefore, only conclusion (I) 'Change is the law of nature' directly follows.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is (a) Only conclusion (I) follows:
The phrase 'The old order changeth yielding place to new' reflects the idea that change is a constant aspect of existence, hinting at a philosophical and natural principle that applies to many aspects of life. When we look at conclusions derived from this phrase, the first conclusion (i) Change is the law of nature aligns with this concept, as it suggests that the only constant is change.
This is consistent with scientific principles that also demonstrate the universe is in a state of flux, with laws explaining natural phenomena such as gravity and motion, and the understanding that they can be updated with new observations and discoveries. In contrast, the second conclusion (ii) that we should discard old ideas simply because they are old, does not follow from the phrase. Ideas and traditions should be evaluated on their merits and relevance, not discarded solely based on age.