As over the top, and fantasy-like as it is, the fallout series is a good example of how humanity would go on after an apocalypse. Basically, new civilizations would slowly rise up, scientific and technological advancements would continue, and life would go on as it always has. Eventually, cities would be rebuilt, new nations would form, and history would likely repeat itself. The only real variable I can think of, would be how long this would take to happen. @ The first post - A lack of government, or centralized government does not necessarily equal chaos. Anarchism, as an example of an organized lack of government. And where there are humans, there will always be some form of law, whether written down or not.