Mr Sagan sounds like he's talking from experience rather than speculating. I wouldn't be surprised. I think I'd be more surprised to find someone who hadn't been bamboozled. The world seems full of it, from the Lord of the Universe who literally demands we hand over the reins of our life to the used car salesman who just knows he has the right car for us.
I can't accept it's too painful to acknowledge we've been bamboozled. The idea that once bamboozled we'll never see through it is even worse!
Always question authority! Always have doubt in your mind! There, that might help, though sadly, even that isn't a panacea.
Always have doubt in your mind!