What does Pericles mean by this phrase: ""Public preferment depends on individual distinction and is determined largely by merit rather than rotation""? How is this different from other civilizations you have studied?

This phrase by Pericles is talking about the meritocratic nature of the Athenian Democracy.

This is different from other civilizations such as Oligarchy, Theocracy, Monarchy, communism, autocracy and the likes. As it promotes the spirit of merits only.

Explanation:

Part of the full words of Pericles is that "but public preferment depends on individual distinction and is determined largely by merit rather than rotation: and poverty is no barrier to office, if a man despite his humble condition has the ability to do some good to the city." Pericles’ Funeral Oration (Thucydides I.37)

Hence, Athenian Democracy is considered to be based on meritocracy. It is of the belief of Pericles that, regardless of the citizens' class or social status. It is those that stands out, or the brightest of the mind, that governs or rise to the position of power.

Athenian Democracy which is considered as meritocracy by Pericles differs from other civilization, and can be explained as the political form of government where by the people who have the best quality to lead, are given the opportunity to govern the people, regardless of their class and social status, in as much they have shown that they merit the position, through achievement or their performance.