It’s a hard thing to explain to a newbie and I don’t think you could open with that to most people. But I agree with him so can’t offer an alternative. Michael Saylor gives some really interesting perspectives and the ‘digital energy’ makes sense as an explanation. Especially in contrast to fiat or gold etc. it looks like a highly efficient battery…

Some people only see; energy consumption + mining = bitcoin (and Bitcoin can be spent for future energy needs) but it can go a lot deeper.

Sorry! No help at all.