Not sure what you're referring to with science at all.
What about:
- curiosity (much of science, mathematics, etc.)
- artistic expression (musical instruments, demoscene)
- fortunate accidents (penicillin)
- just tinkering around (all sorts of inventions)
- play and fun (many non-commercial computer games)
- communication (telegraph, telephone, email, ...)
- self-expression (blogs)
- being dissatisfied with something and trying to change it (many more inventions)
- basic needs (advances in food, shelter, medicine...)
- trying to gain a military advantage (all sorts of weaponry and defenses)
- exploration (e.g. traveling to the bottom of the ocean, or landing on the moon)
- ideology/philosophy/religion (GNU and free software; cathedrals; pyramids)
etc.
At the end of the day much of technology is motivated by human needs, interests, desires, fears, etc.
OP's move from tech to comedy writing shows that interest or passion can be powerful motivators.
Also, a military advantage is an economic one, there's no real difference between the concepts.
If nothing else, you just dismissed most of mathematics and basic physics.
It's also not confusing to me what the other person is saying, maybe you can clarify what your misunderstandings are before anyone can address them.