Final answer:
The saying implies the invincibility of death and the lasting impact of a good reputation, suggesting that while one can overcome many challenges, they cannot avoid death nor easily change a positive public perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase “one can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation,” suggests that while it is possible to overcome and outlast many challenges in life, death is inevitable and cannot be escaped. Similarly, once a person has acquired a good reputation, it is difficult to shake off or diminish its impact. In context, it emphasizes the durability of a person's legacy and character in the eyes of others. A good reputation tends to persist and can be more challenging to alter in public perception compared to overcoming life's various other struggles.