Book excerpt: For Dr. Basti, the explanation is straightforward though not simple: "Just as cells have dna, so mathematics has DNA in its structure." After years of research, he decided that his work had to contain a strong philosophical justification in order to stand the test of time. Part memoir and part manifesto, DNA of Mathematics introduces Mehran Basti's readers to both the research he has dedicated his career to and his personal background and beliefs which significantly impact his scientific work.