Isolated pawn as strength

In another blog I wrote about weaknesses of isolated pawn over the chessboard and life. But weakness is not the only outcome of isolated pawn, it can be used as a weapon, as a strength in a given position by stronger forces.

There is a difference though. In this case, isolated pawn is used mostly to sacrifice itself and opening up opportunities for bigger forces, for the overall game. Disappearance of isolated pawn makes the position more interesting for the player and (s)he just looks for those opportunities.
However, disappearance may not be the only strength in this situation. There is always the threat that an isolated pawn may be pushed for sacrifice, thus opening up new opportunities for the player. Understanding this concept over the chess board and doing it is not an easy task, only very advanced players can do it with very careful and accurate play.

(non-chess players can skip this portion: If you are a serious chess player look for an example in Sicilian defense-C3 variation, also called Alapin's variation; that C3 pawn becomes isolated in many combinations; still this pawn can be used as a strength in this particular position).

Exactly the same way an isolated pawn in real life can make very big changes in overall system; though they still remain isolated. Its the effect due to their presence counts here. Not all isolated pawn have the same effect, only some: exactly the same way over the chess board. It depends on the position, it depends on the pawn, it depends on the dynamics of the board and life.

This concept is very confusing in life and not yet clearly explained..I hope to do so someday....