Plato opened all occupations to women as well as men, even the highest, that of ruling.[V-58] The only difference between the sexes that needs to be recognized occupationally is that men are stronger physically than women.[V-59] Women, like men, vary in occupational temperament. One individual is fitted for one kind of vocation; another, for some other type of work. Although the fundamental importance of bearing children is appreciated, Plato observed that it is unnecessary that a woman devote her whole life to the rearing of children. All women should have opportunities for the development of their personalities. Those women who have special talent for public service should enter thereupon. Although a social conservative Plato admits an innovation in the ideal republic--universal woman suffrage. Since women have the same duties as men, they receive the same opportunities for training. Women must share in the toils of war and the defense of their country.[V-60] Women are priestesses;[V-61] they serve on committees for the regulation of marriage, and for deciding divorce cases.[V-62] Although Plato was averse to change, he advocated a dynamic type of education. This educational system, however, is to be definitely controlled by the guardians. It is also paternalistic. Common education shall be of two kinds: gymnastic, for the body; music, for the soul.[V-63] Gymnastic training will produce a temper of hardness, and music will lead to gentleness. The extreme of the one is ferocity and brutality; the extreme of the other is softness and effeminacy.[V-64] When taken together, they produce a well-ordered personality. The one sustains and makes bold the reason, the second moderates and civilizes the mildness of passion.[V-65] Gymnastic exercises provide for the care and training of the body through childhood and youth so that in maturity the body may best serve the soul.[V-66] Music, including literature, trains through the influence of its qualities of harmony and rhythm. For example, through exercises in harmony the child develops a harmonious temperament. Education is not a process of acquisition, but of the development of the powers within the individual.[V-67] It is a life-long process; it begins with birth and continues until death. It, however, slows up as the individual grows old. An aged person cannot learn much, no more than he can run much.[V-68] Education in the early years of life is the most important. As a child is educated, so will his future be determined.[V-69] A child should be taught early to respect his parents. Great care should be given to the first years of life. From three to six years of age the children in Plato’s republic come under the supervision of chosen matrons and nurses.