In practice, neo-liberal policies bear grave social and ecological consequences, undermine democratic principles, and ensure the rich become richer while the poor become poorer. Ultimately, nobody benefits from the creation of a dichotomous world. Consequently, despite its competitive focus, the neo-liberal system produces no winners. Neo-liberalism originated as a new form of liberalism, a theory prominent throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Liberal theorists championed free trade, free competition, the elimination of government intervention in economic affairs, and individual liberty.