Reese: This is soil. Soil is alive. It is sensitive to the rhythm of who you truly are. This is a seed. Within it lies sleeping the soul of a plant. Together, they make a test. That was taught to Shaolin ninjas millions of years ago. If you can keep your hand like this until the seed sprouts, then you will have developed the source of all power.
Dewey: If this is real, then why are you teaching it to me?
Reese: 'Cause I'm a jerk, and I know you'll fail. Or maybe... just once... I'm letting you in on the secret of life itself.
[later:]
Malcolm: What's he doing out there?
Reese: I put a rock in his hand. He's trying to make it grow.