> can we maintain the level of technological sophistication we've reached? Probably not but I doubt we'd regress very much. The world's population of less than

> can we maintain the level of technological sophistication we've reached? Probably not but I doubt we'd regress very much. The world's population of less than 2 billion in the early 20th century was able to produce automobiles, airplanes, radios, etc. With the benefit of all the inventions and knowledge left behind I bet just a billion people could pretty easily maintain at least an early to mid 20th century level of technology. It would be a step backwards for sure but in the context of human progress it would be a minor blip.