Are there not ages of learning and ages of ignorance, rude ages and polite?
True, replies Socrates, but these are only externalities.

The heart of man does not change with the fashions of his life.

The order of Nature remains constant (l'ordre general de la Nature a l'air bien constant).
This conclusion harmonises with the general spirit of the Dialogues.

The permanence of the forces of Nature is asserted, but for the purpose of dismissing the whole controversy as rather futile.

Elsewhere modern discoveries, like the circulation of the blood and the motions of the earth, are criticised as useless; adding nothing to the happiness and pleasures of mankind.