" Technically and logically speaking, actual Victorian science fiction writers cannot be dubbed ‘steampunks.’ Although they utilized many of the same tropes and touchstones employed later by twenty-first-century writers of steampunk, in their contemporary hands these devices represented state-of-the-art speculation. "
- Paul Di Filippo

The quote suggests that Victorian-era science fiction writers cannot accurately be labeled as "steampunks," despite their work sharing many themes and elements that would later define the steampunk genre. The core idea is that while both groups explore similar ideas, the context in which they were written differs significantly.

When we delve deeper into this quote, it highlights an important distinction between historical literary movements and modern reinterpretations or revivals of those movements. Victorian science fiction writers created their works based on cutting-edge scientific and technological concepts of their time, whereas contemporary steampunk authors often look back at the Victorian era with a lens of nostalgia and imaginative reimagining. This difference in perspective and intent means that while both groups may use similar tropes like steam-powered machinery or airships, the Victorian writers were engaged in serious speculation about the future based on the science of their day, rather than the whimsical or retro-futuristic reinterpretation we see in modern steampunk.

Paul Di Filippo is a renowned American author known for his contributions to speculative fiction and cyberpunk literature. He has published numerous books and short stories that blend elements of science fiction with historical contexts, often exploring complex ideas through intricate narratives. His work frequently challenges readers to consider the intersection between technology, society, and imagination, making him well-positioned to comment on how different eras perceive and utilize similar thematic elements in their storytelling.