"A pawn move must not be considered in itself to be a developing move, but rather simply a move which helps development.
This is an important rule for beginners. ... the pawn is not a fighting unit in the sense that the opponent would be afraid if it crossed the border, because the attacking force of the pawns is naturally tiny compared to the pieces. However an advance without pawns is unsustainable, because our opponent's pawn centre thanks to its desire to expand, would repel those of our pieces which are already developed. For that reason, we should first set up a pawn centre in order to protect the development of our pieces.
...
[I]t follows that pawn moves in the development phase are only permitted if they help occupy the centre or have some logical connection with the occupation of the centre.
So, if only the above-mentioned pawn moves are allowed, that means that the much loved advances of the rook pawns should be considered as a waste of time. (In closed games, this rule is only partially relevant; there is less direct contact with the enemy and development is completed at a slower pace). ...
In the open game, speed of development is the overriding law. Each piece should be developed with only one move. Each and every pawn move - with the exception of those which either establish or support your own centre, or attack that of your opponent - can be considered a waste of time. So - as was already made clear by Lasker - 1-2 pawn moves in the opening, no more."
Aron Nimzowitsch. My System. 1925/2007. page 17-19
This is an important rule for beginners. ... the pawn is not a fighting unit in the sense that the opponent would be afraid if it crossed the border, because the attacking force of the pawns is naturally tiny compared to the pieces. However an advance without pawns is unsustainable, because our opponent's pawn centre thanks to its desire to expand, would repel those of our pieces which are already developed. For that reason, we should first set up a pawn centre in order to protect the development of our pieces.
...
[I]t follows that pawn moves in the development phase are only permitted if they help occupy the centre or have some logical connection with the occupation of the centre.
So, if only the above-mentioned pawn moves are allowed, that means that the much loved advances of the rook pawns should be considered as a waste of time. (In closed games, this rule is only partially relevant; there is less direct contact with the enemy and development is completed at a slower pace). ...
In the open game, speed of development is the overriding law. Each piece should be developed with only one move. Each and every pawn move - with the exception of those which either establish or support your own centre, or attack that of your opponent - can be considered a waste of time. So - as was already made clear by Lasker - 1-2 pawn moves in the opening, no more."
Aron Nimzowitsch. My System. 1925/2007. page 17-19