What is the primary reason for prisons in America? Is the goal to get dangerous people off of the street so normal civilians can be safe? Or is to put people in a place where they can be separated from the things that tempt them, which are hurting them and those around them?

Similarly, are clouds created strictly for utilitarian purposes or for our aesthetic enjoyment? Because I saw some clouds on the way to work today that looked like they were right out of the Impressionist movement.