resistance to learning

Recently I conducted a training in a 30 year old plant.
the employees were all hardened.
They had an answer for everything and also they had many ways to misinterpret whatever I told them.
I then realized once again that an open mind is a prerequisite for learning.
Also I started wondering why they were so antagonistic to me.
Their past experience has made them cynical and cold in their world views.
I felt sorry about the circumstances which may have led them to such conclusions.
In the end the management is to be blamed
they have done nothing to change this .
In summation,One day was lost in my life and also in theirs(without much effect)