A relation is a flow of energy or information between two or more nodes. A network is the set of relations and nodes of a given system. For practical purposes systems can sometimes be treated independently, but in terms of the ultimate energy flow that is the basis of all systems, all systems are interconnected and interdependent. The science of statistics is used to measure complex systems. A goal is a desired configuration of a system.
Technology is the manipulation of a system in order to attain a goal.
The ultimate state of the universe is fragmentation and cold. It is impossible for such societies to generate social energies in excess of the economic energies which drive production. The economic cost of such social energy would destroy the capital base of such societies. The economic cost of social energy is called taxes. In the long run, it is more energy efficient not to build on land that floods.