During my entire life I’ve only had two jobs. In the first one, I played a role in developing software to empower people through my work at Microsoft. In my second one, which I started full time in 2008, I am giving back the wealth I made at Microsoft with the goal of making the world a healthier, better educated, and more equitable place. This is the job I will have for the rest of my life.

Both of these experiences inform my perspective on artificial intelligence. When I first learned about computers at age 13 I was fascinated by the idea of making them more intelligent. AI has only made significant progress in the last decade. It is now incredibly capable and continuing to improve at a mind-blowing rate. AI for the first time can replace and even exceed human cognition.

In terms of equity, AI will either be the greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice. The challenge is monumental. Even under the best circumstances, the transition to this new AI era will be one of the most turbulent times in human history. I believe that answering these questions and acting on the answers should be the world’s top priority. Unfortunately, right now we are not preparing for it.

Part of the reason is that many commentators underestimate the extent of the impact AI will have. The reliability problem is being fixed quickly, as researchers create models that can check their own work. Another reason is that analogies to past innovations are misleading. AI runs on devices we already have, and it uses natural language. I have benefited enormously from the technology industry, but my views are not motivated by money. Any profits will go to the Gates Foundation.