First off, I'm of the opinion that history moves forward by the actions of individuals and that technology is a main driving factor, not ideas. That being said

First off, I'm of the opinion that history moves forward by the actions of individuals and that technology is a main driving factor, not ideas. That being said, people like Pythagoras, Thales, Goethe, da Vinci, and many others were simultaneously artists, scientists, as well as philosophers. I agree to a certain degree with the GP that philosophy is mostly post-rationalising of existing phenomena. It's the creation of these ideas that allow for deeper thought and exchange of these ideas. Einstein had the idea of relativity before he could prove it. When it comes to creating 'new things', it seems an individual's curiosity and serendipity is what drives innovation. But I think one must not underestimate the role philosophy plays in this as it can give one's thought direction.