Ruby

Ben Gardner, an Anthropic engineer who is now seeking opportunities elsewhere, AI is the most consequential technology in human history.

I respect Dario and the other leaders immensely, but I can't bear to sit idly by while others develop this technology.

That, to me, would be the ultimate in irresponsibility.

I'm grateful for everything I have learned about AI and AI safety through my time there, an amazing team, but I'm willing to put that experience to good use elsewhere if need be.

For another employee, the objection is less ideological.

I gave up multiple other opportunities to work at Anthropic.

I moved location and I lost my partner.

It really fucking hurts.

Sources confirm that several employees are already interviewing at OpenAI and other labs.

For many employees we spoke to though, the pain is real but accepted.

I'm not going to lie, the value of my equity evaporating feels shitty.

I was set for life, I was set to be able to take care of my parents and ill sibling for life, and my kids.

It's really quite devastating, said one employee on condition of anonymity.

When I first heard the news I was angry.

We have the world's best researchers and Claude to help us.

Surely we can solve whatever it is.

But I think caution is right with technology this powerful.

I will sleep well knowing we weren't irresponsible, we chose to do what's right, and if the fears are correct, well, you can't spend equity if you're dead.

Another employee shared, I have elderly parents who are not well.

I've been expecting Claude will grant them lasting health and I fear any delays risk losing my parents forever.