It should be on the side of the American people. (Applause.) A government that breaks down barriers to opportunity and prosperity.

WHITEHOUSE: Town Hall Meeting on the Economy

Sitting in an onsen breaks down barriers with the Japanese (nakedness is the norm), while Icelanders love to socialise in their volcanic steam baths.

BBC: Beauty treatments abroad

"The Autodesk family of 123D products breaks down barriers between the physical and digital, empowering users to customize the world around them, " said Samir Hanna, vice president, Consumer Products, Autodesk.

ENGADGET: Autodesk launches 123D Catch for iPad, lets you turn pics into 3D models

Telephone counselling also breaks down geographical barriers, offering people help wherever they live in the UK. Further, it offers a greater sense of anonymity.

BBC: It's good to talk - therapy not pills for depression

The other aspect that he learned from Frederick Douglass, which I think is crucial, is that to quote Frederick Douglass now, true love breaks down racial barriers.

NPR: Lincoln and Douglass Shared Uncommon Bond

It also further breaks down the rigid barriers between nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals.

BBC: Nurses get new prescription powers