Obstinate nature /Cury, Philippe early career scientists ecosystem approach marine ecology patterns research strategy Resolving ecological patterns is challenging but fascinating as it generates new ways of looking at nature. I recapitulate here four independent scientific ideas that I developed throughout my career and that have contributed to a better understanding of the functioning of marine ecosystems. The optimal environmental window relating wind intensity and fish recruitment, the extended homing strategy developing an ecology of individuals, the wasp-waist control of marine ecosystems, and the bird-forage fish interaction are the four patterns that are presented. Communicating results to a large audience is not simply an added value of a scientific career but a responsibility for scientists when considering global emerging challenges. I encourage young scientists to communicate in an open and organized manner, as it will contribute to changing stakeholder's views and fisheries management. Love of science and ground-breaking ideas are key to scientific careers and creativity can be sustained in many ways throughout a scientist's career. I provide several tricks inspired by my personal experience that can help young scientists to stay innovative in the long run. Finally, I combine ecology and music, my two favourite topics, illustrating that an obstinate nature and an unexpected combination of unrelated ideas are key when dealing with research. 2019 text https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010075638 fdi:010075638 Cury Philippe. Obstinate nature. 2019, 76 (2), 384-391 EN