Fables were considered the initial exercise in prose composition and public speaking, known as the "progymnasmata," during ancient Greek education. Students were required to learn fables, expand upon them, create new ones, and ultimately use them as convincing examples in longer forensic or deliberative speeches. Educators had to teach a broad range of fables to students for this purpose, which led to the compilation of collections like Aesop's fables.

I have always held a deep admiration for Aesop's fables and have fond memories of reading them as a child. The valuable lessons contained within these timeless tales have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to inspire me to this day.