Steampunk Spirit - the Ethos of the Aether

Giant squid peeking out during feeding time
(La Legion Fantastique at Dickens Fair)

There is a wonder-ful sense of 'what if' to steampunk, a willingness not only to suspend disbelief but to seize the opportunity to weave a new world from bits of real history and modern sensibilities.
The motto of the Legion Fantastique:

Science!
Exploration!
Imagination!

provides a quintessential expression of this spirit.

However stated, certain key elements are common:

• A joyful sense of adventure.
• A faith in human ingenuity and integrity to overcome obstacles practical or political.
• A maker ethos, eg a higher value placed on hand-crafted items, as a reflection of the maker’s resourcefulness.
• Humor and fun.