In the story from Chad Kultgen's "Men, Women, and Children," Tim's life takes a turn when he discovers a thought-provoking documentary titled Manufacturing Consent. This experience leads him to the works of Noam Chomsky, stirring deep reflection within him. As he contemplates the ideas presented, Tim begins to grapple with a sense of disillusionment. He starts to believe that life lacks inherent meaning and questions the nature of free will.

Tim's journey reveals how societal systems can manipulate individuals, making him feel that many pursuits are merely distractions orchestrated by powerful entities. This introspection highlights the struggle against perceived control and prompts him to reevaluate the significance of personal choices in a world he now views as constricted by external influences.