Desire not only allows to understand the history of Occitan. It also makes it possible to think of a future for this language. We cannot rely on the linguistic inertia a large number of illiterate monolinguals to ensure a future for Occitan. Such illiterate monolinguals no longer exist. Neither can we expect that some economical constraint would make Occitan necessary for one's survival or social advancement.
People are likely to choose Occitan only insofar it is a desirable language.
Indeed, some form of desirability results from the very marginalisation of the language. Of course such a valorisation is not exactly fit to trigger a social promotion of Occitan. It is only allows individuals to enjoy what remains of it. I only want to emphasise that this cannot be the only attitude toward Occitan, if we want this language to remain a living language. Notwithstanding the heavy centralist French tradition, Regional institutions are now gaining strength.