"Let each person do his or her part. If one citizen is unwilling to participate, all of us are going to suffer. For the American idea, though it is shared by all of us, is realized in each one of us"

This quote by Barbara Jordan highlights the significance of specific obligation in order to achieve cumulative success. She is suggesting that each person should do their part in order to make sure the success of the American concept. Jordan is stressing that the American idea is not just a collective idea, however is recognized through the individual actions of each person. She is recommending that if one person hesitates to get involved, the entire nation will suffer. This quote is a pointer that each person has a duty to add to the success of the nation, and that the collective success of the country is dependent on the specific actions of its citizens.