How did Cicero become a great orator and lawyer?

How did Cicero become a senator?

In your view, what was Cicero's greatest accomplishment?

Was Cicero a principled constitutionalist? When in his life was he most principled? When in his life was he least principled?

What was Cicero's plan to restore the constitution during the conflict between Antony and Octavian? Why did it fail?

In Everitt's view, what were some of Cicero's flaws as a politician?

Do you think that Everitt underestimates Cicero's scholarly achievements? Was he really an unoriginal thinker?