Defrauding people of money, for example.
Crowley was always on the look out for spare cash. And sometimes people were stupid enough to give it to him. But considering the pocket-change sums involved I seriously doubt he would ever make it onto the list of the worlds greatest con-men and fraudsters. But of course, as in a lot of other areas, Crowley is a special exception. If it were anyone else no one would bat an eyelid.
And I think some of the people he enticed into sex were not 100% clear what he was getting them into.
But when you see the common "popular" reaction to Crowley's sex life you would think he murdered people after having sex with them. By todays standards Crowley sex life is nothing special. People today are doing way more crazy stuff then he ever did, and no one cares. But, as in a lot of other areas, Crowley is a special case.
Over the years I've been involved in loads of discussions about Crowley's character and behaviour. But I'm always surprised when liberal, tolerant and open-minded people I know well, suddenly transform into puritanical prudes when it comes to Crowley's sex life. I just don't get it.
And he did quiet deliberately sabotage others in the order to get his own way.
Who hasn't at some time or another in their life acted badly and screwed someone else over to get their own way? But the common reaction is a prentence of being as pure as the driven snow. Next comes the feigned indignation and mock outrage with a hefty dose of moral finger wagging.
Oh you naughty boy, Crowley! I would never do anything like that.
