Dario Amodei on why he left Sam Altman and OpenAI: 'Why argue with someone' when you 'don't trust them'

He also explained his departure from OpenAI by saying, 'why argue with someone when you don't have the same vision and you don't trust them?' The remark directly references his relationship with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Amodei co-founded Anthropic in 2021 after leaving OpenAI with several other researchers, citing differences over AI safety and direction. In the interview, he did not specify the exact issues that led to the breakdown of trust with Altman, but he framed the split as stemming from fundamental disagreements. The two companies have since become prominent rivals in AI development, with Anthropic focusing on safety and OpenAI pursuing a more aggressive timeline.

The interview provides insight into the personal dynamics behind the corporate rivalry. Amodei described his current state as 'at peace' with the ongoing competition. The public acknowledgment of distrust highlights the fragile relationships that underpin major AI development efforts.