In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that society is not adequately prepared to handle the economic disruptions that could come with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that while AI has the potential to drive significant productivity gains and economic growth, the benefits may not be evenly distributed—raising the risk of widening inequality. Amodei argued that governments have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the economic upside of AI is shared broadly across populations. He called for proactive public policy to address potential job displacement, particularly in sectors vulnerable to automation, and to support workers through retraining and education programs. “We’re entering an era where AI could dramatically increase output and innovation, but without thoughtful intervention, the gains could go to a small number of companies and individuals,” Amodei said. “That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair.” He pointed to the need for new models of economic participation, such as expanded social safety nets, portable benefits, or even mechanisms like AI dividends—where a portion of the economic value generated by AI is reinvested into society. While such ideas are still in early stages, Amodei stressed that now is the time for policymakers, technologists, and economists to collaborate on solutions. The conversation comes amid growing concern about AI’s impact on labor markets, especially as generative AI tools become more capable and widely adopted. Amodei noted that while AI can augment human work and unlock new opportunities, the transition must be managed carefully to avoid deepening existing economic divides. He also highlighted the importance of responsible AI development, urging companies to prioritize safety and long-term societal well-being over short-term profits. “We’re not just building technology—we’re shaping the future of work, wealth, and opportunity,” he said. “Governments need to help ensure that future is inclusive.”