The rise in the power of the general intellect in an economy allows for other material costs to be lower. Since the general intellect is the aggregate of ideas and knowledge in a society, it removes itself from the economy which is based on the allocation of scarce resources only. This results in lower prices and the ability to produce more effectively by everyone using the commons of ideas. The use of the commons also requires a new way for individuals to gain an income that is beyond the wage system.