He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and versatile intellectuals of modern Ethiopia – he was a poet, playwright, essayist, translator, historian, novelist, philosopher, journalist, and government officer.
He has produced about ninety published works in several languages, some of which have been translated into foreign languages, and have greatly influenced twentieth-century Ethiopian literature and intellectual thought.
He has received ample recognition domestically and internationally, including an Honorary Doctorate from Addis Ababa University.
He is well known as one of the mid-twentieth-century Japanizing Ethiopian intellectuals.