With fear or power people are likely to take revenge against you, where as if they love you they have no reason to take revenge, and will do as you say respect towards you. Augustus chooses the precise achievements and contributions he made to Rome to glorify his image in the eyes of the Roman people. The Res Gestae are a carefully constructed set of findings and contributions made to manipulate people's opinions of Augustus. Augustus includes acts that show that he contributed to the reconstruction of Rome and is trying to make it better for everyone. He made himself appear to be chosen by the people to lead them instead of assuming the role by force. He created the illusion that he had been given the role instead of imposing it on himself as many had done before. Everything Augustus did was aimed at gaining favor with the Roman people and in return they did what he wanted without him having to force their way through. He was a master mind in the art of manipulating their opinions of him using the Res Gastae so that they would follow him in what he wanted to do. This is why Augustus was never assassinated and his rule and customs could last until those of Rome